places to visit within 1 hour of edinburgh

Places to visit about 1 hour from Edinburgh

The Scottish Deer Centre

Balvaird Castle

Kilconquhar

Bowhouse Market

Firth of Forth

Caberston Coffee Shop

Robert Smail's Printing Works

Innerleithen

The Falkirk Wheel

Lisa PetBuddy

Cities 1 hour from Edinburgh

59 minutes :   Falkland, United Kingdom

59 minutes :   Alloa, United Kingdom

58 minutes :   Stirling, United Kingdom

58 minutes :   Dunblane, United Kingdom

57 minutes :   Carluke, United Kingdom

56 minutes :   Dollar, United Kingdom

56 minutes :   Cumbernauld, United Kingdom

55 minutes :   Carstairs, United Kingdom

53 minutes :   Thornton, United Kingdom

52 minutes :   Airdrie, United Kingdom

52 minutes :   Caldercruix, United Kingdom

50 minutes :   North Berwick, United Kingdom

50 minutes :   Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom

49 minutes :   Kincardine, United Kingdom

48 minutes :   Gullane, United Kingdom

These are approximate driving times in a radius from Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Search for vacation spots within driving distance for a day trip or weekend getaway. There are many towns within the total area, so if you're looking for closer places, try a smaller radius. If you're willing to drive farther, try 1½ hours .

Not sure where to go? Take a day trip from Edinburgh , or if you have more time you can explore weekend trips from Edinburgh , but make sure you also check road conditions around Edinburgh . Looking for small towns or communities around Edinburgh, United Kingdom? Get a full list of up to 500 cities nearby Edinburgh .

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More cities around 1 hour away by plane

Here are more cities based on a flight circle radius of 1 hour. These cities are much further than the ones above since now we're looking at a 1 hour flight.

1 hour :   Bedworth, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Kidderminster, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Tullamore, Ireland

1 hour :   Clara, Ireland

1 hour :   Spalding, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Portarlington, Ireland

1 hour :   Aberystwyth, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Nuneaton, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Hinckley, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Wigston, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Arklow, Ireland

1 hour :   Oakham, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Halesowen, United Kingdom

1 hour :   Monasterevan, Ireland

1 hour :   Bourne, United Kingdom

Cities at a radius of

Travel time from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

1 hour east of Edinburgh cities within 1 hour of Edinburgh 1½ hours from Edinburgh places within 2 hours of me in Edinburgh explore 2½ hours from Edinburgh 3 hr radius map from Edinburgh 3½ hr drive from Edinburgh places within 4 hours of me in Edinburgh within 4½ hours of me in Edinburgh 5 hour drive from me in Edinburgh 5½ hour drive from Edinburgh within 6 hours of Edinburgh 7 hour drive from Edinburgh driving 8 hours from Edinburgh 9 hours from Edinburgh

Distance from Edinburgh, United Kingdom

cities within 10 km of me in Edinburgh within 20 km of me in Edinburgh 30 km radius of Edinburgh 40 km drive from Edinburgh located 50 km from Edinburgh 100 km radius from Edinburgh within 150 km of Edinburgh 200 km road trip from Edinburgh distance of 250 km from Edinburgh driving 300 km from Edinburgh 350 km trip starting from Edinburgh 400 km drive from Edinburgh drive for 450 km from Edinburgh 500 km from Edinburgh day trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom is at latitude/longitude coordinates 55° 57' 10" N  /  3° 11' 19" W

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The 8 best day trips from Edinburgh

Looking for a rural escape from the city? Here are some of the best day trips from Edinburgh

Edinburgh is top notch, but in its most touristy months, it can be a little, you know, much . So if you’re looking for a day off from the hustle and bustle and the Harry Potter fans, we’ve got good news: there’s loads of great spots nearby for a day trip, and you can reach them all by public transport or a quick drive. 

On our list you’ll find coastal towns, mountainous landscapes, cultural monuments and more, where beach walks, quaint shopping streets and rigorous hiking routes await you. Our top tip? Stop for lunch, and then head back to Edinburgh for a great dinner and pub trip. That’s where the good stuff is, eh? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Edinburgh   🎨 The best art galleries in Edinburgh 🏰 The best attractions in Edinburgh 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Edinburgh

This guide was updated by Edinburgh-based Arusa Querishi . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

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Best day trips and places to visit near Edinburgh

1.  The East Lothian beaches

Edinburgh itself has a beach at Portobello, a suburb with a jolly seaside-resort feel. Beyond the city, however, there are more expansive and equally attractive beaches to be found in East Lothian.

The first bus from the centre to Aberlady takes just under an hour. A few minutes’ walk east of the village, along the A198, you’ll find Aberlady Local Nature Reserve, a haven for birds big and small. Follow the path round to the sands on the north side of Aberlady Bay and there’s beach and headland all the way to Gullane (approximately 5km). This village has a beautiful sweeping beach, some decent places to eat and drink, and a regular bus service to take you back to central Edinburgh. 

2.  Cairngorms National Park

As the largest national park in the British Isles, there's naturally huge amounts to explore within the Cairngorms. But with such a variety of options for activities in the area, choosing one or more highlights can make for the perfect day trip.

Whether you're into skiing, birdwatching, fishing or hiking, you can do it all within this stunning mountain range. But for a more chilled out activity, there are numerous castles and historical sites to check out too, including Balmoral Castle (the Queen's private residence), Braemar Castle and the Highland Folk Museum. And then there's the Dalwhinnie Distillery, currently the highest distillery in the country, where you can get a tour or a masterclass if you so desire.

If you're heading up there with the family, the Aviemore Zip Trek Park, the Landmark Forrest Park and Highland Wildlife Park are just some ways to keep everyone entertained. The drive-through reserve at the Highland Wildlife Park is particularly wonderful for spotting animals like bison, red deer, elk and vicuna.

3.  The Kelpies

If you’re visiting the nearby Falkirk Wheel, you’d do well to stop by at at Helix Park, home to the Kelpies, two monumental sculptures of mythical water horses , each nearly 100ft high. Legend has it kelpies had the strength of 10 horses and could shape-shift into human form – just as the landscapes in these parts have metamorphosed drastically over millennia. They’re made of steel in a nod to both contemporary sculptural trends and traditional artisan techniques. Enormous, glittering and utterly magnificent, the dual artworks have been open to the public since spring 2014, alongside a visitor centre where you can get guided Kelpie tours and explore exhibits relating to their history.

4.  Linlithgow

The main reason tourists flock to Linlithgow is to see the striking ruins of its royal castle. The birthplace of both James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace echoes with the history of the Stuart dynasty that ruled Scotland from 1371. 

Perched on the shore of the town’s small loch, right next to St Michael’s Church with its distinctive modern steeple, you couldn’t deny it’s in a prime location. There’s been some form of royal palace here since the 12th century, although the current structure was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its heyday as the Stuarts’ primary residence came to an end when James VI became king of Great Britain in 1603 and relocated to London with his court. The building fell into disrepair over the next hundred years; a fire finally put the old place out of its misery in 1746.

Atmospheric and resonant, it’s now cared for by Historic Scotland and, if you catch it on a fine day, its red sandstone comes alive in the sunlight. The High Street is where to find cafés and restaurants, while the town also sits on the Union Canal, perfect for a bucolic saunter. ScotRail trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Linlithgow take around 20 minutes.

5.  Loch Ness

It takes less time than you’d think to get up to the Highlands, so a day trip to Loch Ness is completely doable. You’ll probably know it as home to Nessie, a cryptozoological sea creature whose sightings began in 595 and have continued ever since. There’s more to an excursion to Loch Lomond than monster-spotting, however. Lots of touring companies in Edinburgh will take you there (check out The Hairy Coo, Timberbush Tours or Rabbies). Some pass by Stirling Castle before stopping at Kilmahog – frequented by fairies, we’re told – while others go via Glencoe. Once at Loch Ness, you can cruise its waters, explore nearby Urquhart Castle and take part in whisky tastings. The whole trip will take up a full day (with an early rise), so it’s not for the faint-hearted. And remember to bring layers – this is Scotland, after all.

6.  North Berwick

A small and attractive seaside town, North Berwick has beaches stretching east and west from its harbour, a decent selection of bars and restaurants, small islands immediately offshore and the imposing presence of the Bass Rock, with its gannet colony, around 5km out into the Forth. Standing sentinel over it all is the 187-metre bulk of North Berwick Law directly behind the town, an ancient volcanic plug which affords brilliant views if you make the effort to reach the top.

Nearby you’ll find the Scottish Seabird Centre, which is great for children and birdwatching enthusiasts, and there are also scenic seasonal boat trips, some going all the way to the Isle of May – the last stop before Scandinavia. Put all that together and you have a well-rounded day trip in store; trains take less than 35 minutes from Edinburgh Waverley. 

7.  The Pentlands

It may be a bit cheeky to describe this range of hills as outside Edinburgh, given a chunk of it sits well within the city boundary. All the same, the Pentlands stretch over 30km away to the South West of the capital with a number of peaks over 500 metres – the area was designated the Pentlands Regional Park back in 1984.

Among the hills, you’ll find an artificial ski slope at Hillend (the Midlothian Snowsports Centre), farms, lochs, a military training zone that has live firing exercises and no end of trails to follow. The gentle way to experience the Pentlands is to drive or catch a First bus from the city centre to Flotterstone, walk 1.5km up the minor road to the picturesque Glencorse Reservoir, take in the view, then walk back the way you came, stopping for a drink and some pub grub at the Flotterstone Inn before heading back to the city. The more adventurous might also want to start at Flotterstone but instead embark on a circular walk of 18km taking in some of the hills, including Scald Law, the Pentlands’ highest peak at 579 metres. 

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10 of the best day trips from Edinburgh (without a car)

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Ten great day trips from Edinburgh without a car – from historic castles and legendary chapels to beaches, lochs and islands full of seabirds – all of which you can visit by public transport or on a tour.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

Edinburgh is a fantastic city, packed with history, culture and beautiful scenery. But if you fancy a change, it’s also within easy reach of some great day trip destinations. Within a few hours you could be spotting street art in Glasgow, watching seabirds on Inchcolm Island, exploring mysterious Rosslyn Chapel or taking a boat trip on Loch Lomond.

Train and bus connections mean you don’t need a car either. So here’s our pick of 10 of the top day trips from Edinburgh, with details of how to visit each place independently by public transport as well as tour options if you don’t want to do-it-yourself.

Map of day trips from Edinburgh

1. Rosslyn Chapel

The ornate Collegiate Church of St Matthew – better known as Rosslyn Chapel – was the brainchild of 15th-century nobleman William St Clair of Orkney. Inspired by his travels in France, he created his own take on a Gothic chapel, employing an army of expert craftsmen who spent 40 years covering every surface with intricate stone carvings.

Look out for carved flowers, stars, angels, Biblical figures and Green Men. But do they have a hidden meaning? Myths and legends surround Rosslyn Chapel, from possible links to the Knights Templar or Masons to it being the site of the Holy Grail.

No one knows for sure, but author Dan Brown stirred up more speculation when he set his book The Da Vinci Code in the chapel – Tom Hanks and Audrey Tatou also filmed in its crypt for the movie version. Grail or not, Rosslyn Chapel is well worth a visit, and make sure to take a walk through the leafy woodland of Roslin Glen with its ruined castle.

Go independent

Rosslyn Chapel is around seven miles south of Edinburgh. The two are connected by the Lothian Buses number 37 bus, which takes around 45 minutes from Princes Street to Roslin village (the nearest stop to the chapel is at the Original Rosslyn Hotel). The chapel gets busy so it’s recommended to pre-book a timed 90-minute time slot in advance.

Take a tour

There are also several day tours which combine a visit to Rosslyn Chapel with other attractions in the area – one also visits the Scottish Borders and Melrose Abbey * and another has stops at Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey .*

2. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

South Queensferry sits on the shore of the Forth of Firth, looking out over the Forth Bridges – including the iconic red railway bridge which was built by over 4500 men between 1883 and 1890 (and legend has it it’s been painted constantly ever since).

You can take a boat trip from South Queensferry which sails underneath the three Forth bridges and out to the tiny island of Inchcolm. Some trips just sail by the island but it’s worth choosing one which stops off at this peaceful wildlife haven. It’s a habitat for seabirds like puffins and fulmars and you often see seals and porpoises offshore.

The well-preserved ruins of medieval Inchcolm Abbey have 13th-century frescoes and a bell tower you can climb for views across the island. There’s also a hermit’s cell where King Alexander I is said to have sheltered after getting shipwrecked, and the remains of fortifications and ammunition tunnels from Inchcolm’s days as a wartime garrison.

Unless you’ve got your own boat, the only way to get to Inchcolm is on a tour. Both Maid of the Forth * and Forth Tours run 3-hour tours to the island which give you 1.5 hours ashore. Services run April–October and depart from Hawes Pier in South Queensferry.

To get to South Queensferry you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny station in about 15 minutes, then it’s a short walk to the pier. Or it’s around 40 minutes on the Lothian Country 43 bus from Princes Street to South Queensferry.

3. North Berwick

The pretty seaside town of North Berwick is just half an hour from Edinburgh, and when the sun’s shining on its golden sand and blue sea it’s easy to forget you’re in Scotland. There are art galleries and quirky gift shops to browse. Take a walk along the beach or head to the harbour to pick up a fresh half lobster and chips from the Lobster Shack.

This area is an important breeding area for bird species like razorbills, terns and guillemots – especially Bass Rock which has the largest gannet colony in the world. The Scottish Seabird Centre charity in North Berwick has a Discovery Centre where you can find out about local species, watch them live on bird cams and take guided boat trips.

You can also visit Tantallon Castle, a vast 14th-century castle perched on a cliff edge looking out over Bass Rock. It’s surrounded by an imposing 50-foot-high curtain wall which helped it survive three sieges until it was finally left in ruins by Oliver Cromwell.

You can take a direct train from Edinburgh Waverley to North Berwick. Trains normally run around once every hour and the journey takes 30 minutes. Tantallon Castle is around 10 minutes outside of North Berwick on the Eves Coaches 120 bus.

There aren’t any day tours from Edinburgh to North Berwick but it’s easy to get there by train. Then if you want to get a closer look at the birds or spot other wildlife like seals, dolphins and whales, the Seabird Centre runs several boat trips to Bass Rock and the Isle of May on board either a RIB or a catamaran (normally from April–September).

4. Stirling

Stirling was once the capital of Scotland , sharing the job with Edinburgh until the early 1600s. Today it’s best known for its castle, which like Edinburgh’s towers over the city from the top of a volcanic rock. Stirling Castle is one of the largest castles in Scotland, a fortress palace built to control the point where the Highlands met the Lowlands.

It was a favourite of Stuart monarchs, and the Royal Palace has been restored to its 16th-century glory with reproductions of the carved oak Stirling Heads and hand-woven tapestries. There’s also James IV’s Great Hall, the castle kitchens and Queen Anne Gardens.

Beyond the castle you can also visit Stirling Old Bridge, a medieval stone bridge built on the site of an older wooden one where William Wallace’s forces trapped the English army during 1297’s Battle of Stirling Bridge, killing thousands when the bridge collapsed. And the 67-metre-tall National Wallace Monument is only a couple of miles out of the city.

Direct trains from Edinburgh Waverley station to Stirling normally run around every 30 minutes and take just under an hour.

You can visit Stirling Castle as part of a day tour which also includes the Falkirk Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs *, or with Rosslyn Chapel and Dunfermline Abbey .*

Set between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the town of Falkirk is home to two popular day trip attractions. First is the Kelpies at Helix Park, the world’s largest horse sculptures at 30 metres high, surrounded by parkland alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal.

These giant stainless steel sculptures weigh more than 300 tons and are inspired by the working Clydesdale horses who helped build Scotland, taking their name from malevolent shape-shifting water spirits with the strength of 10 horses. You can get up close to them or book a guided tour if you want to go inside and see how they were built.

Or further along the canal to the west is the Falkirk Wheel. This strange-looking 35-metre high metal structure is the only rotating boat lift in the world, an impressive almost sculptural piece of engineering built to connect the Union and Forth and Clyde canals. You can try it out on a boat trip or watch it in action from the visitor centre.

It’s around 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High/Grahamston stations. Falkirk is connected to the Kelpies and the Wheel by bus – but unfortunately they’re in different directions so you’ll need to backtrack to Falkirk to do both.

To get to the Wheel it’s a 15-minute journey on the First 6 or 7 buses (which stop near both Falkirk High and Grahamston stations). Or for the Kelpies, take the First 2 bus (which stops near Grahamston station) for 10 minutes to Grangemouth then it’s a 13-minute walk.

You can also walk to either along a stretch of the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath – it’s 2.5 miles from the centre of Falkirk to the Wheel or just over 2 miles to the Kelpies.

There is a private day trip * from Edinburgh to Falkirk which visits the Wheel, Kelpies and Callendar House, and also includes a stop at Stirling Castle. Or you can visit the Kelpies (but not the Wheel) as part of a day tour * to Loch Lomond and Stirling.

There’s a longstanding rivalry between nearby neighbours Edinburgh and Glasgow , with Glasgow seen as cooler, more creative and less touristy. But why pick one when you can visit both, as Glasgow makes an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

There’s a lot to see in Glasgow so choose a few highlights. For museum lovers there’s the grand red sandstone Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum or modern Riverside transport museum. Art lovers can follow the Mural Trail for some of Glasgow’s best street art or see Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s work at the Lighthouse and Willow Tea Rooms.

You can also admire the beautiful Gothic-style University of Glasgow buildings, relax in Kelvingrove Park or take a walk through the atmospheric hilltop Necropolis. Then head to Finnieston or Merchant City for great places to eat and drink.

Read more: A weekend in Glasgow: 2-day Glasgow itinerary

Trains run several times an hour between Edinburgh and Glasgow’s Central and Queen Street stations, taking 50–90 minutes depending on how many stops they make. There’s also the CityLink 900 bus between the two which takes 1 hour 25 minutes.

Glasgow is so easy to get to from Edinburgh that there’s no need to take a tour. But when you get there you can learn more about the city with a guided walking tour, either covering Glasgow city centre’s history and culture * or its street art .*

7. St Andrews

Picturesque St Andrews lies on the coast of Fife north of Edinburgh. The university is at the heart of the city – take a walk around St Mary’s and St Salvator’s Quads to soak up the atmosphere, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday you can experience one of its quirky traditions as a procession of red-gowned students walk along the pier at noon.

Explore the ruins of the castle, set on a clifftop with a network of underground tunnels. Climb to the top of the St Rules tower at St Andrews’ medieval cathedral for a bird’s eye view over the city. Or take a walk along its miles of sandy beaches.

St Andrews is also the home of golf, and if you’ve got the right handicap (and book well in advance) you can play a round on the Old Course – otherwise you can pose for a photo on the Swilcan Bridge and have a drink at the Jigger Inn, the course’s unofficial 19th hole.

Read more: A weekend in St Andrews: 2-day St Andrews itinerary

There’s no train station in St Andrews itself, but you can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to nearby Leuchars which takes around an hour. From Leuchars there are frequent Stagecoach 99 buses into St Andrews which only take 10 minutes.

You can also take a full-day tour * to St Andrews, which also includes stops in the Fife fishing village of Anstruther and historic Falkland with its Stuart palace.

8. Pitlochry

The Victorian town of Pitlochry has a beautiful setting alongside the River Tummel and surrounded by the Perthshire Hills. It’s been a popular place to visit since Queen Victoria’s doctor proclaimed that the air in Pitlochry was good for her health.

Today people come to hike in the surrounding countryside, with a wide selection of walks nearby including the 6-mile hike to the top of Ben Vrackie and the easier 3-mile Craigower climb. There are also river walks past the town’s hydroelectric dam, where you can watch fish on the salmon ladder built to help them climb upstream past the dam.

You can also watch a play at Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Or do a whisky tour and tasting at the Blair Athol Distillery on the edge of the town. It’s one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and has been making whisky in Pitlochry since 1798.

Pitlochry is around two hours by train from Edinburgh Waverley.

Several tours of the Highlands include a brief stop in Pitlochry, or this Highland Lochs, Glens and Whisky * tour includes around an hour in Pitlochry as well as stopping in Dunkeld, The Hermitage and for a tasting at Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery.

9. Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in mainland Britain, and along with the woodland glens of the Trossachs it forms Scotland’s first National Park. The loch lies on the fault line which divides the Highlands from the Lowlands, and its landscapes change from rolling hills and woodland in the south to dramatic narrow gorges and mountains in the north.

Take a cruise around the loch from either of the main centres on the lake – Balloch and Tarbet. Or use the waterbus to visit the charming lochside village of Luss, made famous as a filming location for Scottish TV show Take the High Road.

You can also explore the loch’s ‘bonny banks’ on foot or by bike. There are plenty of walking routes, from the short 2-mile walk to Balloch Castle to the West Highland Way long-distance hiking path. And the West Loch Lomond Cycle Path is a flat 17-mile route running between Balloch and Tarbet (or it’s 8 miles if you only want to go as far as Luss).

You can take the train from Edinburgh Waverley to either Balloch or Arrochar and Tarbet. There are frequent trains to Balloch which take around 2 hours (changing in Glasgow). Or it’s 2.5 hours to Arrochar and Tarbet, and although trains run a lot less often it’s a really scenic journey along a stretch of the West Highland Line from Glasgow.

You can visit Loch Lomond and the Trossachs on a day tour * which also includes stops at the Kelpies in Falkirk and Stirling Castle.

10. Loch Ness

The last of our day trips from Edinburgh is a long one, but if you don’t mind spending a lot of time travelling it is possible to visit Loch Ness in a day, though I’d advise staying at least one night if you can. Loch Ness is a Scottish icon, and where Loch Lomond is the largest lake by area, Loch Ness is the largest by volume at up to 240 metres deep.

The main gateways to Loch Ness are Inverness at the north and Fort Augustus at the south. Once you get there you can take a boat trip to explore the loch and look for its resident monster. A 1933 sighting started the hunt for the Loch Ness Monster, but despite over 1000 sightings and a series of underwater expeditions nothing has ever been found.

You can find out more about Loch Ness and the monster at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition in Drumnadrochit, as well as visiting the lochside ruins of 13th-century Urquhart Castle and the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre in Fort Augustus.

Read more: 12 great things to do in Loch Ness

To reach Loch Ness by public transport from Edinburgh you’d need to take a train to Inverness (3.5 hours), then the Citylink 919 bus runs to Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle and Fort Augustus. There are only a few buses a day though so you’d need to plan your schedule carefully – staying overnight in Inverness makes things a lot easier.

There’s also a day trip * to Loch Ness available which takes 12.5 hours and includes Urquhart Castle, an optional boat trip and stops in Glencoe and Pitlochry.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Edinburgh?*

Coming April 2024

My new book, Auld and New in Edinburgh , will be published in April 2024 and is available for pre-order now. Part of the Curious Travel Guides series, this curated guide features the best experiences and places to eat, drink and shop to help you plan the perfect Edinburgh trip.

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20 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh You will Love

Seen the Edinburgh Castle from many different angles and strolled a zillion times along the Royal Mile? If you have experienced all the amazing things to do in Edinburgh , it’s worth taking a day trip to uncover some of the surrounding hidden gems of Scotland.

Just outside the city’s borders, more travel adventures await, all within a few hours of Arthur’s Seat , Victoria Street and Dean Village .

Bustling cities, sleepy coastal villages , secluded seaside towns high on charm and seafood, and century-old historic castles and ruins – are all just a short drive away from Edinburgh.

No matter if you are a frequent visitor or a resident, we recommend adding a few day trips to your Edinburgh itinerary. So, hop on a train or into your car, and go on an epic adventure around Scotland.

Day Trips Less Than One Hour from Edinburgh

The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow is one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh. The city is renowned for its various avant-garde museums , friendly locals, shopping opportunities, colourful street arts and buzzing nightlife.

There are loads of fun and cultural things to do in Glasgow in a day for every traveller.

No visit to Glasgow is complete without a visit to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to Renaissance art, Kelvingrove houses a vast collection of 8000 objects within its 22 galleries.

Next, visit the historic Glasgow Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow. It is the oldest and only surviving medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland.

Riverside Museum is another unmissable attraction in the city. It has an impressive collection of 3,000 objects, reflecting the rich industrial legacy of Glasgow. Also, visit the nearby Tall Ship Glenlee.

Also, watch out for the beautiful street murals around the city. Before heading back to Edinburgh from your day trip, don’t forget to check out Glasgow’s diverse food scene.

How to Get to Glasgow: There are frequent bus and train services from Edinburgh. It takes around an hour and a half by bus and about 45 minutes by train.

2. Stirling

From the battleground of William Wallace’s victory against the English army to being the home of one of the oldest castles in Scotland , there are loads of awesome  things to do in Stirling  – a myriad of fascinating history waiting to be explored. 

Sitting proudly over a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle is one of the most-visited castles in Scotland. It was the primary Scottish royal residence before the Act of Union with England.

From the castle esplanade, you will get a stunning panoramic view of the city, Forth River, Ochil Hills and National Wallace Monument.

Wallace Monument is another must-visit landmark in Scotland. It commemorates Sir William Wallace – one of the greatest national heroes of Scotland. Once here, you can climb the 246-step spiral staircase to reach the top of the monument. The views are well worth the effort! Also, there are exhibitions showcasing historical artefacts and busts of several famous Scottish personalities.

Other attractions in Stirling include The Stirling Smith Art Gallery & Museum, the Battle of Bannockburn Experience, Old Stirling Bridge and Cambuskenneth Abbey.

How to Reach: You simply need to take the train from Edinburgh Waverley. It will take you to Stirling in about 50 minutes.

3. North Berwick, East Lothian

Sandy beaches, abundance of wildlife, scenic boat tours, dramatic rock formations, the smell of fresh fish & chips, golf courses and a clifftop ruined castle – this seaside town has all the ingredients for an ideal day trip from Edinburgh.

Make your way to the Scottish Seabird Centre near the beautiful North Berwick Harbour. They operate various boat trips to the local islands and give you the opportunity to see the wildlife of this area up close.

You can visit the famous Bass Rock, a tiny island on the Firth of Forth and home to the largest gannet colony in the world. Tours run from late March to early October.

North Berwick has two extensive sandy beaches. Weather permitting, you can sunbathe, picnic or explore the rock pools. Also, you can sample some delicious local seafood at Lobster Shack.

If you are up for a little hike, climb the North Berwick Law. You will get an uninterrupted view of the coast, Bass Rock, Arthur’s Seat , Edinburgh and the Pentlands.

Lastly, don’t forget to visit the Tantallon Castle, a 14th-century ruined fortress located on the outskirts of North Berwick.

How to Reach: Train from Edinburgh Waverley only takes 30 minutes to get to North Berwick.

4. South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island

Situated on the shore of the Firth of Forth, South Queensferry is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Edinburgh. The cobbled streets of this picturesque coastal town are lined with colourful houses, cosy cafes, bakeries, restaurants, traditional pubs and shops.

One of the main tourist attractions of South Queensferry is the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015 for its extraordinary engineering and design. When it was completed in 1890, this rail bridge was the longest single cantilever bridge in the world.

Many sightseeing tour companies offer guided boat tours of the three Forth Bridges. You might spot seals, puffins, and various species of marine wildlife.

We will highly recommend taking a boat tour to the island of Inchcolm as well. There, you will find the historic Inchcolm Abbey. It was founded in the 12th century by Augustinian monks and is called ‘Iona of the East’.

You can visit South Queensferry and Inchcolm Island in half a day. But if you are staying longer, you might add the nearby Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle to your travel itinerary.

How to Reach: Hop on the local Lothian Bus service 43 from Princes Street. Also, there are regular train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Dalmeny, which take only 15 minutes.

5. Linlithgow and Falkirk

Linlithgow is a Royal Burgh located only half an hour’s drive away from Edinburgh. Tourists visit this historic town on a day trip to explore the ruins of Linlithgow Palace.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace served as one of the main residences of Scottish monarchs. Mary, Queen of Scots was born here in 1542. After your visit to the Linlithgow Palace, take a stroll around the scenic Linlithgow Loch.

Not too far from Linlithgow, Falkirk is home to two of Scotland’s most popular tourist attractions – The Kelpies and The Falkirk Wheel.

Residing inside Helix Park, The Kelpies are two gigantic, metal horse-head sculptures. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world and depict the mythical creature from Scottish folklore known as Kelpie. Also, they are a homage to the horse-powered industrial heritage of this area.

The Falkirk Wheel is another feat of Scottish engineering. It is the first and only rotating boat lift in the world. It connects the Forth and Clyde Canals with the Union Canal. You can take a boat ride to experience it.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Linlithgow take about 25 minutes. Linlithgow and Falkirk are well-connected by regular bus and train services.

6. Pentland Hills Regional Park

If you are visiting Edinburgh in summer and feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, we highly recommend hopping on a bus and heading down to the Pentland Hills Regional Park. You simply can’t beat a day out in nature.

If you have climbed Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat , you would have noticed a range of hills to the south of Edinburgh. These are the Pentland Hills. It is a perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.

There are 100km of waymarked routes around the park that are suitable for both experienced and novice hikers.

We loved the hike to Allermuir Hill. It starts from the snowsports centre at Hillend and takes around 2.5-3.5 hours. From here, you will get a sweeping view over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, the Fife coastline and the countryside.

Scald Law is the highest point of the Pentland Hills. The hike to Scald Law starts from Flotterstone and takes about 5-6 hours.

How to Reach: There are various access points to enter the Pentlands. You can catch Lothian bus service 4 to reach Hillend. Alternatively, you can ride bus service 101, 101A and 102 to Flotterstone.

7. Roslin, Midlothian

This idyllic place is very close to Edinburgh and makes a great day trip choice.

The small village of Roslin is home to the historic Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most prominent religious sites in Scotland. The chapel appeared in Dan Brown’s famous mystery thriller novel, The Da Vinci Code and later in the movie starring Tom Hanks.

Rosslyn Chapel was founded in the mid-15th century by Sir William St Clair. The interior of this chapel is stunning. You can admire the intricate stonework and mysterious symbolism of the walls. The dramatic ornate carvings of angels, knights, gargoyles and green men make this place mysterious. There are many myths and legends associated with Rosslyn Chapel.

After exploring the chapel, take a short stroll to visit Roslin Castle. Perched over a steep-sided wooded valley overlooking the River North Esk, this ruined castle was founded in the early 14th century by the aristocratic Sinclair family.

There are various walking trails around Roslin Glen. From Roslin Castle, you can follow the signposted pathway to the gunpowder mills, reminiscent of this area’s industrial past. Also, this woodland is a haven for diverse wildlife.

How to Reach: Jump on Lothian Bus service 37 from Edinburgh city centre.

Day Trips Between One to Two Hours from Edinburgh

8. loch lomond and the trossachs national park.

Loch Lomond is one of the best places to visit in Scotland and is not too far from Edinburgh for a day trip. It is the largest freshwater lake by surface in Britain and an outstanding place to enjoy the beauty of nature.

Start your adventure from Balloch, a beautiful village on the shore of Loch Lomond. Take a wee wander around the beautiful gardens of Balloch Castle Country Park. One of the best ways to admire the lake and the surrounding landscapes is by boat cruise. Several companies operate tours from Balloch.

Another nearby tourist attraction is the tiny village of Luss . Located on the west bank of Loch Lomond, Luss is famous for its neatly lined quaint cottages, well-maintained gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Lomond. During summer, you can take a dip in the lake.

There are many hiking trails around this area. Avid walkers might consider climbing the mighty Ben Lomond. Alternatively, we recommend hiking to Conic Hill from Balmaha.

Before heading back to Edinburgh, if you have time, make your way to the historic town of Inveraray .

How to Reach: There is no direct train. So, you will have to change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station. It takes only 50 minutes from there to reach Balloch.

9. St Abbs, Scottish Borders

If you fancy visiting someplace offbeat for a day out in nature, St Abbs is the place for you. It takes about an hour to drive here from Edinburgh.

St Abbs is a small fishing village on the Berwickshire Coast in the Scottish Borders. There are plenty of things to do in St Abbs for all travellers.

Recently, the movie Avengers: Endgame was filmed in this fishing village. It also appeared in the Harry Styles music video, Adore You.

Nature lovers will love a scenic hike around the St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve. It takes approx an hour to reach the beautiful St Abbs Head Lighthouse. The view of the village and the coastline is absolutely stunning.

From May to July, thousands of seabirds nest here. Watch out for guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, shags, herring gulls and fulmars. Also, peel your eyes out for dolphins and porpoises.

Meander around the tiny harbour of the village. Boat tours depart from here. Pop inside the Ebbcarrs Cafe to try out their delicious crab sandwich and Cullen Skink.

How to Reach: Take the train from Edinburgh towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Berwick. From there, catch the local 235 bus towards St Abbs.

10. Culross & Dunfermline, Fife

Culross is one of the prettiest villages in Scotland . Wandering through the narrow cobbled street makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. This coastal village has appeared in the popular TV series, Outlander.

Culross, combined with Dunfermline, makes a wonderful day trip choice from Edinburgh. It is perfect for all history and nature lovers.

One of the main tourist attractions of Culross is the bright-yellow-coloured Culross Palace. It was founded in the 17th century by a wealthy merchant. You can take a tour of the palace. For a lovely panoramic view, climb to the top of the palace garden. Also, check out the ruins of Culross Abbey.

Dunfermline is the newest city in Scotland. Dunfermline Abbey and Palace is a must-visit. Many notable Scottish kings and prominent historical figures are buried here. It is the final resting place of Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s great warrior king.

Later, you can visit the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum close to the abbey.

How to Reach: You can catch a bus or train from Edinburgh to get to Dunfermline. Trains only take 38 minutes. From Dunfermline, Stagecoach operates buses 8 and 8A to Culross.

Referred to as the ‘City of Discovery’, this city on the bank of the Firth of Tay is famous for its industrial and maritime heritage. In 2014, Dundee was declared the UK’s first-ever UNESCO City of Design. Dundee is the perfect destination for spending a day outside of Edinburgh.

Start your Dundee adventure with a visit to the V&A Dundee . Opened in 2018, this is the first design museum in Scotland, and entry is free. They host various galleries and exhibitions showcasing Scottish creativity. Adjacent to the museum is the RRS Discovery, a Dundee-built steamship used in Antarctic expeditions.

The McManus Art Gallery & Museum is a must-visit for all art lovers visiting the city. The stunning Gothic Revival-style building houses a great display of paintings, sculptures and artefacts.

If you have time, visit the nearby Glamis Castle, unarguably one of the prettiest castles in Scotland . Located just 12 miles from Dundee, it is the childhood home of The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. 

How to Reach: The easiest way to get to Dundee is by train. Direct trains leave regularly from Edinburgh and take about an hour and a half. Also, there are bus services run by Megabus and Ember Bus.

12. St Andrews, Fife

World-famous golf courses, vast sandy beaches, a ruined medieval cathedral, and dramatic coastal views make this lovely university town a top day trip choice from Edinburgh.

The dramatic ruin of St Andrews Cathedral is a must-see tourist attraction in St Andrews . Built in the 12th century, it was the largest church in Scotland and was once an important religious site.

The cathedral museum has a great collection of Pictish carvings, medieval stoneworks and sculptures. Climb St Rule’s Tower to get a stunning view over to the city and the surrounding areas of Fife.

The Old Course in St Andrews Links is one of the most iconic places in the world for all golf lovers. Frequently referred to as the home of golf, it is one of the oldest golf courses in the world. Golf has been played here since the 15th century. It is open to the public. So, you can book a spot here too.

Take a stroll around the extensive West Sands Beach. It was featured in the movie, Chariots of Fire. Before saying goodbye to this seaside town, taste the delicious ice cream from Jannettas Gelateria.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh to Leuchars take around an hour and a quarter. There are frequent local bus services from there that will take you to St Andrews in nearly 10 minutes.

13. Melrose, Scottish Borders

Often overlooked by tourists, Scottish Borders is a fantastic place to spend a day away from Edinburgh and enjoy the Scottish countryside. Also, this area of Scotland has some of the most beautiful ruined abbeys in the UK.

Melrose is one of the most picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders and the home of the historic Melrose Abbey. It was founded in 1136 by Cistercian monks on the orders of King David I. Several Scottish royalties are buried here. Most famously, Melrose Abbey is the final resting place of the heart of the legendary Scottish warrior, Robert the Bruce.

Next, stroll around the beautiful Harmony Garden and Priorwood Garden. If you are here in summer, pop inside the Priorwood to see the blooming apple orchard.

Outdoor enthusiasts would love a hike to the nearby Eildon Hill. It takes around 3-4 hours to complete the circuit. The stunning view over Melrose and the surrounding landscapes are well worth the effort.

A five-minute drive from Melrose will bring you to Abbotsford House, the ancestral home of Sir Walter Scott, a renowned Scottish writer.

How to reach Melrose: Trains leaving from Edinburgh take about an hour to reach Tweedbank. From there, local bus services 67 and 68 take only 11 minutes to get to Melrose town centre.

14. The Fishing Villages of Fife and the Isle of May

Without a doubt, Fife has some of the prettiest seaside villages in Scotland . You can definitely visit some of these charming fishing villages on your day trip from Edinburgh. They sit on the famous Fife Coastal Path, a long-distance walking route.

Anstruther is the largest fishing port of East Neuk. Take a wander around the pretty streets and the busy harbour. This seaside settlement is famous for its fresh seafood. Try the traditional fish and chips at the award-winning Anstruther Fish Bar.

From Anstruther, you can take a boat trip to explore the Isle of May. This tiny island in the middle of the Firth of Forth is home to numerous species of seabirds and wildlife. If you are visiting between April and August, the sight of cute little puffins will melt your heart.

The pretty fishing village of Crail lies about 4 miles walk along the coastline from Anstruther. Pop by Lobster Hut for some freshly caught lobsters and crabs.

Another stunning traditional fishing village in East Neuk is St Monans. Around the cosy harbour huddle a charming blend of whitewashed and colourful houses. Don’t miss to visit the photogenic St Monans Windmill and St Monans Parish Church.

How to Reach: It takes around an hour and a half to drive to Anstruther from Edinburgh. Also, you can catch Stagecoach bus X60 from the city centre.

15. Pitlochry, Perthshire

Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, Pitlochry is a charming little town in Perthshire. Dramatic vistas, extensive woodlands, scenic lochs and several hiking trails make this Victorian town a must-visit for day-trippers from Edinburgh.

We love travelling to Pitlochry in autumn when the leaves change colours, and the whole area looks absolutely spectacular.

Pitlochry is a nature lovers’ hotspot. Take a gentle stroll along the River Tummel to visit the salmon ladder and the atmospheric Loch Faskally. You can continue to follow the riverside path to Killiecrankie. Avid hikers will enjoy a walk to Ben Vrackie. From the summit, you will enjoy a spectacular view over Pitlochry and the surrounding mountains of Perthshire.

Catch a local bus from the town centre to visit the nearby Queens View. This iconic viewpoint is named after Queen Victoria, who visited this place in 1866 and fell in love with the sweeping view.

No visit to Scotland is complete without a tour of a distillery. Luckily, there are two distilleries in Pitlochry – Blair Athol Distillery and Edradour Distillery. They offer different guided tours and tasting sessions.

How to Reach: Direct trains from Edinburgh take around an hour and fifty minutes.

16. Newcastle

Newcastle-upon-Tyne, usually known as Newcastle, is considered the unofficial capital of North East England. From magnificent architecture to vibrant nightlife – there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Newcastle . If you love city breaks, this day trip from Edinburgh is perfect for you.

Ramble around Grainger Town, the historic heart of Newcastle. The area is named after Richard Grainger, who reshaped Newcastle in a neoclassical style in the 19th century.

Next, make your way to Newcastle Castle, a 12th-century Norman fortress the city is named after. Take a tour to explore the chambers, dungeons and the prison.

Newcastle is the city of seven bridges. The iconic Tyne Bridge is the most famous of them. Constructed in 1928, it connects Newcastle with its neighbouring town, Gateshead.

Ramble along the Newcastle Quayside to enjoy stunning views of the Seven Bridges. This area on the River Tyne is brimming with various trendy restaurants, cosy cafes and gastro pubs.

Take a short bus ride to see the stunning sculpture of the Angel of the North by Antony Gormley.

How to Reach from Edinburgh: Trains from Waverley will bring you to Newcastle in about an hour and a half.

17. Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh, Northumberland

Now, we know what you must be thinking – why on earth would you go on a holiday to Scotland and then a day trip to England?

Well, with a driving time of less than two hours and well-connected public transport, it’s probably not the craziest idea.

Dramatic castles, miles of sandy beaches, fresh seafood, plenty of wildlife, and rich heritage, make Northumberland a popular day trip choice for tourists visiting Edinburgh.

The most famous attraction in this area is Alnwick Castle. It is the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK. This magnificent fortress is one of the filming locations of the Harry Potter movies. Also, it appeared in the British TV series Downton Abbey.

Castle lovers and history buffs will be delighted to visit the Bamburgh Castle. The earliest surviving part of this legendary fortress dates from the 12th century. Also, from here, you will get an awe-inspiring view of the nearby Bamburgh Beach, Northumberland’s coastline, Lindisfarne Castle and Farne Islands.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh takes almost an hour to get to Alnmouth. From there, the local bus takes about 12 minutes to reach the Alnwick bus station. Local bus services are operated by Arriva and Travelsure.

The cathedral city of Durham is another city in England that you can visit on a day trip from the Scottish capital city of Edinburgh. There are tons of amazing things to do in Durham .

Durham Cathedral is the main attraction in the city. It was built in the late 11th century to house the relics of St Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Also, it is another Harry Potter film location in the UK.

In 1986, Durham Cathedral, alongside Durham Castle, received the UNESCO World Heritage site status.

Durham Castle was built in 1072 and has served as the official residence of the Prince Bishop of Durham. You can take a guided tour to learn the history of this castle.

River Wear flows through the heart of this historic city. Walk along the riverside path for a stunning view of the Cathedral and other important city buildings.

Beamish, the Living Museum of the North, is only 22 minutes drive from Durham.

How to Reach: CrossCountry and LNER operate train services from Edinburgh Waverley to Durham, and it takes only one hour and forty-five minutes.

Day Trips over Two Hours from Edinburgh

Truth be told, York is a long day trip from Edinburgh. If you’re short on time, spending a day in York will surely give you a good sense of this medieval city. It takes around two and a half hours of train journey to get here from Edinburgh.

York is an ancient city with over two thousand years of riveting history. Also, it is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.

A visit to the York Minister should be on top of your York travel itinerary. This Gothic masterpiece was founded in the 7th century and has been a centre for Christianity.

A short walk from the Minister will bring you to The Shambles. This cobbled street is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe. Also, like Victoria Street in Edinburgh, Shambles is believed to be one of the inspirations behind Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter series.

York is a walled city. You can walk the 2 miles circular route of the city wall to discover this city’s past.

Later, pop inside Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms for an opulent afternoon tea experience.

How to Reach: LNER and CrossCountry run frequent train services for York from Edinburgh. It is advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

20. Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms is one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. It is heaven for outdoor lovers.

A day trip to the Cairngorms from Edinburgh is certainly doable, especially on long summer days. Although the journey time is long, the train route is very scenic. If you are travelling by car, don’t miss a visit to the pretty village of Braemar .

From Edinburgh Waverley, take a train to Aviemore, the main town of the Cairngorms. There are plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops here. Also, the historic Strathspey Steam Railway leaves from here.

You can catch a local bus service to visit Loch Morlich, a beautiful freshwater loch with a sandy beach. Loch Morlich is a great place to enjoy various water sports. Also, you can admire the stunning backdrop of the majestic Cairngorms mountains.

Cairngorm Reindeer Herd Centre is within walking distance from Loch Morlich. You can take a guided walk to visit UK’s only wild reindeer herd.

Next, take a funicular train ride by Cairngorm Mountain Railway to get a breathtaking panoramic view from 1,097m above sea level.

How to Reach: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley take around two hours and fifty minutes to reach Aviemore train station. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach.

Map of the Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here is a map of all the amazing day trip choices mentioned in this article. Click on the link to save the Google map on your phone. Moreover, you can use the map offline.

We hope this guide to the best places to visit on a day trip from Edinburgh has inspired you!

From picturesque fishing villages to buzzing cities – there is everything for all travellers. So, definitely add a few of them to your next adventure in Edinburgh.

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20 easy day trips from edinburgh, scotland.

Edinburgh is an incredible city and a great place to base yourself when you visit Scotland. If you’re planning on staying there, but want to venture outside the city and explore more of the nearby country, check out these 20 amazing day trips from Edinburgh.

The Scottish capital city of Edinburgh is an unbelievably beautiful city and offers a snapshot of everything that travelers love about Scotland . Take the Royal Mile, the cobblestone heart of central Edinburgh, as an example. It has the dramatic Edinburgh Castle at one end and Holyrood Palace at the other, with churches, labyrinthine alleys, authentic pubs, and more in between.

Edinburgh is also a UNESCO City of Literature with a long history of famous authors, large city parks, and six hills. Not only can you see the city from several panoramic viewpoints but you can also appreciate the country’s famous natural landscapes right from Scotland’s capital.

But there are also so many amazing day trips from Edinburgh that will allow you to see much more of Scotland and other places in the British Isles. The Loch Ness Monster, the bustling metropolis of Glasgow, picturesque Glen Coe, and charming fishing villages are just a short car or train ride away.

This guide covers all of the best day trips from Edinburgh no matter your interests or travel style based on first-hand experiences with lots of insider tips. No matter which day trips you choose (because you should take more than one!), you’re bound to have an incredible time on your mini Scotland side trip.

If you’re looking for the best neighborhood to stay in, be sure to check out my guide on where to stay in Edinburgh.

• Don’t have time to read a bunch of reviews & blog posts? Here are our top picks for visiting Scotland:

Get an Easy Scotland Itinerary

Our favorite hotels in Scotland

• Castle Hotel : Crossbasket Castle
• Edinburgh Hotel : Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
• Inverness Hotel : Kingsmills Hotel
• Isle of Skye Hotel : Skeabost House

Our favorite tours in Scotland

• Isle of Skye Tour
• Highlands Tour
• Harry Potter Tour in Edinburgh
• Edinburgh Food Tour
• Book a Photoshoot in Scotland use code WANDERLUST for $25 off

Renting a Car in Scotland

If you want to see authentic Scotland, I recommend you drive yourself. If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use:  Rental Cars  and  Expedia Cars.  We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

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Here's a Short Cut

Getting Around on your Edinburgh Day Trips

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You can choose to take the train, bus, tour, or rent a car on your day trips from Edinburgh. I’ll lay out each option for you.

If you’re renting a car, there are two companies we prefer to use: Rental Cars and Expedia Cars. We have had no issues with them and have been able to find the best prices available.

1. Inverness and Loch Ness

Visiting Loch Ness, one of the largest lochs in Scotland, and searching for the mythical and illusive Loch Ness Monster is high on many people’s bucket lists. But if you look at a map, you’ll see that Loch Ness and Edinburgh are pretty far away.

They are, but visiting Loch Ness on the trail of the Loch Ness Monster is still doable and one of the most exciting and best day trips from Edinburgh. Especially if you take an Edinburgh to Inverness tour so you don’t tire yourself out with driving!

You can also visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness and take a cruise on Loch Ness itself. If you have extra time, head into the city of Inverness (the unofficial capital of the Highlands that sits just north of Loch Ness) and visit Leaky’s Bookshop and Inverness Castle too.

Urquhart Castle is definitely one of the most picturesque castles in Scotland due to its position looming above Loch Ness. You’ll be able to compare Urquhart Castle to Edinburgh Castle when you return to the city.

Explore more in my guide to Inverness.

By Car: Head north on Motorway 9 (M9) and then the main A9 road which takes you all the way to Inverness. You can then drive south on the A82 and the smaller roads around Loch Ness. There are lots of places to park around Loch Ness.

By Train/Bus: Book a direct train on ScotRail or a Megabus service if you are on a budget from Edinburgh to Inverness. Hop on a local Inverness bus service (either N 17 or 917) to Lochend to reach Loch Ness.

By Tour: There are tons of Edinburgh day tours to Loch Ness via great tour companies like Rabbie’s Tours or Haggis Adventures. Take a guided tour that also includes Loch cruises on Loch Ness.

Distance from Edinburgh: 157 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

Taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh is perfect if you want to experience more city life in Scotland. Glasgow is only a few miles west of Scotland’s capital in Central Scotland (also known as the Central Belt) and it’s very easy to see most of what the city center has to offer on Edinburgh day trips.

Buchanan Street is Glasgow’s main high street and where you’ll find lots of great whisky bars, restaurants, and shops. George Square is close to Buchanan Street and is the home of lots of historic buildings like the Glasgow City Chambers and other beautiful Art Deco, Victorian, and Georgian buildings.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery is a must-visit in Glasgow for history buffs and a great place to take your kids. The Modern Art Gallery is also worth seeing, if only for the infamous orange traffic cone that sits on top of the Duke of Wellington statue outside which has become a symbol of the city. If Kelvingrove Art Gallery seems a little far out of the center, there’s an underground tube system you can use or you could just enjoy taking a long, leisurely stroll through Kelvingrove Park to get there.

By Car: Drive west along Motorway 8 (M8) from Edinburgh to Glasgow.

By Train/Bus: Hop on one of the many direct and fast ScotRail trains from Edinburgh to either Glasgow Central or Glasgow Queen Street station. They are both city center train stations. Or, take a CityLink bus or Megabus service if you are on a budget.

Distance from Edinburgh: 46 miles(approx 1 hour)

3. Glen Coe and The Scottish Highlands

Taking a day trip from Edinburgh to Highlands might seem a little far to go on a one-day tour, but if you cannot explore Scotland without including the Scottish Highlands on your itinerary! If you’re short on time, Scottish Highlands tours from Edinburgh are the perfect compromise.

There are many places to visit in the Scottish Highlands, but you should take a guided tour of Fort William. This is a mountain town at the base of Ben Nevis, the tallest mountain in Scotland. During your journey to Fort William from Edinburgh, you’ll pass through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park as well as the dramatic Glen Coe which is the jewel in the crown of the Scottish Highlands.

Fort William has lots of small hikes (Cow Hill is a great one) if you don’t have enough time to tackle Ben Nevis. If you like craft beer, check out the Black Isle Brewery Bar here.

By Car: Drive northwest along Motorway 9 (M9) until you get to Stirling. Then, take the A84 and the A85 through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park before taking the A82 to Glen Coe and beyond.

By Tour: There are lots of Edinburgh day tours to Glen Coe and surrounding areas. Just some of the tour operators that run these tours are Rabbie’s Tours and Highland Experience.

Distance from Edinburgh: 119 miles (approx 3 hours)

4. Rosslyn Chapel

Looking for Edinburgh day trips that are super close to the city? Visit Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most popular attractions in Midlothian. It’s a great wee (Scottish for little!) trip for Knights Templar history buffs and fans of The Da Vinci Code book and movie.

Yes, Rosslyn Chapel was an important filming location for The Da Vinci Code . But it’s not only its use as a filming location that attracts so many visitors.

Rosslyn Chapel is a 15th-century church that has links to the Knights Templar and also boasts skillful masonry with its ornate columns. There are plenty of secrets hidden within the designs of Rosslyn Chapel which you can find out more about on hourly tours.

When you visit Rosslyn Chapel you are not just seeing a nice church as it’s also located in a picturesque rural part of the county next to the quiet town of Roslin. Check out Roslin Glen Country Park for easy hikes. You can also book day tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel if you’d prefer to take an organized trip.

By Car: Drive south from Edinburgh along the A701 road to Roslin where directions to the chapel are well-signposted.

By Bus: Edinburgh’s local bus company, Lothian Buses, have a direct service (N 37) from South Bridge to Roslin that departs every 30 minutes. There are other services with connections but this is the easiest and quickest option.

Distance from Edinburgh: 7.5 miles (approx 20 minutes)

5. Outlander Filming Sites

Admit it, the spark that fed the flames of your desire to explore Scotland was from watching the hit TV Outlander , right? Don’t worry! You’re far from alone which is why there are so many tours from Edinburgh, Scotland to places that appeared as filming locations in the series.

Some of the historic villages and locations you can visit on a guided tour are the small village of Culross (Cranesmuir), the historic town of Falkland (1940s Inverness), and historic buildings like Blackness Castle (Fort William) and Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison). Linlithgow is a Royal Palace where Mary, Queen of Scots was born so it’s a fantastic place to visit on a day tour for history buffs too.

Let’s not forget Midhope Castle either, the charming estate that stands in for Lallybroch!

By Car: Drive to Midhope Castle, then Blackness Castle, then Linlithgow Palace, then Culross, then Falkland before driving across the Forth Road Bridge back to Edinburgh in a loop. If you want to visit Doune Castle too, you can drive there in between Linlithgow and Culross.

Visiting these places, without Doune Castle, is an approximate 113-mile trip which will take around 3 hours in total to drive.

By Tour: Considering the popularity of the show, lots of tour companies offer Outlander day tours from Edinburgh. Rabbie’s Tours, Timberbush Tours, and Haggis Adventures are just some of your options.

6. North Berwick

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train is to North Berwick, a charming town in East Lothian by the sea.

North Berwick is home to the Scottish Seabird Centre and Bass Rock which is an important breeding island off the coast with a lighthouse and castle. If you love animals and bird spotting then taking a boat trip out to this island is a can’t-miss. Be warned that the smell of the smell can be pretty overwhelming! Bass Rock is white for a reason.

Other popular attractions to see in North Berwick on a day tour include the ruined 14th-century Tantallon Castle, climbing The Law Hill with panoramic views across the coast, and strolling along Milsey Bay Beach. Bostock Bakery is a great place to visit in North Berwick for delicious, homemade pastries. You won’t regret ordering their banana nut muffin.

By Car: Drive south along the main A1 road towards England before turning left onto a local road to North Berwick.

By Train/Bus: ScotRail trains depart from Edinburgh to North Berwick around every 30 minutes. Or, you can take a local X5 bus service to North Berwick and buy tickets from the driver.

Distance from Edinburgh: 28 miles (approx 1 hour)

7. Stirling Castle and Falkirk

While Edinburgh Castle is one of the most popular and visited historical sites in the country, Stirling Castle is also an important monument in Scottish history. This 12th-century former palace has lots of links to William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, and the ongoing fight for Scottish independence.

The position of Stirling Castle between the Highlands and the Lowlands meant the Scots fought many of their most important battles here. You can also see across the city to the Wallace Monument from the top of Stirling Castle too. If you’re driving, you can easily tag on a trip to Wallace Monument from Stirling Castle which history buffs (and Braveheart fans) will enjoy visiting.

One of the most popular attractions in this area is Falkirk or, more specifically, The Kelpies which are just outside of the city. These are 100 ft/30 meter-tall steel mythical horses that are fun to visit to break up long Edinburgh day trips.

By Car: Head north along Motorway 90 (M90) and then Motorway 9 (M9) where you can easily turn off to explore Falkirk or The Kelpies near Falkirk. Continue along the M9 to Stirling and Stirling Castle.

By Train: The Kelpies at Falkirk are right off the motorway, so it’s better to travel by car if you want to see those. Falkirk and Stirling both have train stations on the same ScotRail train line from Edinburgh, so it’s easy to explore one or both on the same day.

Distance from Edinburgh: 40 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

8. St. Andrews

Famous for being the place where Prince William met his future wife and the birthplace of modern golf courses, St. Andrews is one of the most popular of all the Edinburgh day trips. It’s a beautiful town with lots of historic buildings, cute cafes, independent stores, and lots of other things to do.

One of the most popular attractions in St. Andrews is the Old Course, one of the oldest golf courses in the world if not the oldest. If you love playing golf then hire a set of clubs and practice your swing! Some other historical sites include St. Andrews Castle and St. Andrews Cathedral. St. Andrews Castle offers beautiful views across the sea.

By Car: Head north along Motorway M90 (M90) across the Forth Road Bridge and then the A92 from Edinburgh to St. Andrews.

By Bus: There isn’t a train station in St. Andrews, so the easiest and most direct type of public transport to take from Edinburgh to St. Andrews is a bus. You can take the X59 direct service from Edinburgh and it’s surprisingly cheap.

If you’d really prefer to take the train, there are ScotRail and LNER services from Edinburgh to Leuchars where you can take the N 42, 97, or 99 services to St. Andrews.

Distance from Edinburgh: 53 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

9. St. Abbs and Berwick-Upon-Tweed

It’s very possible to take a day tour to England from Edinburgh, especially if you visit the coastal town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This town is so close to the border, it’s changed hands between the Scottish and English multiple times over the centuries. Don’t miss the historical attractions of the Old Bridge and Berwick Town Walls.

If you’re driving to Berwick-Upon-Tweed, take a short detour to the small village of St Abbs en route in East Lothian. Not only is it one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Scotland, but it also appeared as New Asgaard in the Marvel movies.

By Car: You can drive south along the A1 straight from Edinburgh to Berwick-Upon-Tweed. St Abbs is a short detour left down a narrow country road.

By Train/Bus: Visiting At Abbs as well as Berwick-Upon-Tweed via public transport on day trips is tricky but doable. Many fast train services (LNER, Transpennine, and Cross Country) pass through Berwick-Upon-Tweed between Edinburgh and London so there are plenty of direct services.

To also visit St Abbs, take the 253 bus service from Berwick-Upon-Tweed. This service only leaves once every two hours, however, so you might need to skip it if it doesn’t fit your itinerary.

Distance from Edinburgh: 56 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

10. Hadrian’s Wall

For history buffs, there’s nothing much more exciting than visiting Roman ruins. The Emporer Hadrian built an 84-mile, coast-to-coast wall in 122 AD to protect Britannia from the ‘savages’ in Caledonia. Though less than 10% of the wall still exists, you can still visit many historical attractions along the wall like forts and turrets.

When taking a day tour from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, some of the closest attractions include Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, and Sycamore Gap.

By Car: Drive south from Edinburgh along the A68 main road before turning right onto the Military Road. Chester’s Roman Fort is the first fort on Hadrian’s Wall you’ll reach, then Housesteads, and then Sycamore Gap.

Though there are some public transport options to explore parts of Hadrian’s Wall on Edinburgh day trips, it would involve taking at least two trains and a bus. There are so many easier day tours from Edinburgh via public transport you can take instead.

Distance from Edinburgh: 100 miles (approx 2.5 hours)

11. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park

There are two national parks in Scotland: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park. The first national park is a little north of Glasgow, so it’s close and easy to take tours from Edinburgh to this park.

Loch Lomond is the largest loch in Scotland by surface area (Loch Ness is the largest by volume) and it’s surrounded by beautiful hills, mountain towns, and hikes. Thousands of people hike the West Highland Way trail from Milngavie to Fort William, which runs alongside Loch Lomond, every year.

While in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, you could hop on one of the many loch cruises that depart from Balloch. Or, hike up Conic Hill which will reward you with stunning views across Loch Lomond on a clear day.

By Car: Drive northwest from Edinburgh along Motorway 90 (M90), then the M9 before heading west along the main A811 road all the way to Balloch.

By Train: There aren’t any direct train services between Edinburgh and Balloch, but it’s still a straightforward journey as you can change trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station.

Distance from Edinburgh: 66 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

12. Queensferry

Arguably the quickest day tour you can take from Edinburgh is to Queensferry. North and South Queensferry are two former fishing villages that bookend the Forth Bridge across the Firth of Forth. This brick-red Victorian bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and absolutely magnificent to see in person.

Walk along the high street in South Queensferry and stop off at The Ferry Tap, a quaint traditional pub, or The Little Parlour for some delicious ice cream. Take a boat trip to appreciate the Forth Bridge from different angles and learn more about the construction.

By Car: Head north of Edinburgh along Queensferry Road, then the A90 main road, and then B924.

By Train/Bus: Lothian buses, Edinburgh’s city bus network, depart from Edinburgh to Queensferry every 40 minutes. Take the N 43 bus from St Andrew’s House bus stop near Calton Hill.

Distance from Edinburgh: 11 miles (approx 30 minutes)

13. Scottish Borders

Outside of the national parks, taking a day tour of the Scottish Borders will allow you to see more of rural Scotland outside of the Scottish Highlands. Some beautiful towns to visit in the Scottish Borders include Melrose, Dryburgh, and Jedburgh.

All three of these villages have centuries-old abbeys that will fascinate history buffs as well as traditional Scottish pubs and old-world cobblestone lanes. The famous Scottish author Sir Walter Scott loved the Scottish borders so much, there is a viewpoint named after him and he is buried in Dryburgh Abbey.

By Car: Drive south along the A68 main road to Lauder before turning right onto the A6091 from Edinburgh to Melrose. Visit Sir Walter Scott View, then Dryburgh, and finally Jedburgh before following the A68 road back up north.

By Train/Bus: Take a ScotRail service to Galashiels which is a gateway town to the Scottish Borders. From there, you can take local Border buses to Melrose, Jedburgh, and Dryburgh.

Distance from Edinburgh: 37.5 miles (approx 1 hour)

Now, I’m partial to Dundee. This is where I lived with my grandma as a little girl. One of the most underrated cities in Scotland, Dundee is experiencing something of a revival after the demise of its shipbuilding industry. It’s a thriving university town with more things to do and places to visit than you might think.

The only Victoria & Albert Museum outside of London opened in Dundee in 2018 and is packed with local and national exhibits that will fascinate history buffs. Right next to the V&A Museum is the Discovery Point and RRS Discovery exhibit. This ship transported explorers, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott, on an Antarctic expedition way back in 1901. It’s a great place to take your kids.

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) before taking the A92 the rest of the way from Edinburgh to Dundee.

By Train: ScotRail train services depart from Edinburgh to Dundee every 30 minutes. If you’re traveling on a budget, you can take these Edinburgh day trips to Dundee via a Megabus service which departs every 90 minutes.

Distance from Edinburgh: 60 miles (approx 1.25 hours)

15. Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park isn’t just Scotland’s largest national park, but it’s also the home of Balmoral Castle. This was formerly the Queen’s private residence (now the King’s!) and was rumored to be her favorite estate.

Although this is one of the few incredible historical buildings in Scotland you can’t visit, luckily there is plenty more to explore in Scotland’s largest national park. From the main town of Aviemore, you can take hikes or even go skiing during the winter months. Some of the most popular circular trails are Loch an Eilein and Carrbridge and Docharn.

If you’re lucky, you might spot some of Scotland’s rarest and most endangered species like the Scottish wildcat, red squirrel, or golden eagle. Failing that, you’ll see miles and miles of heather-laded hills in summer which should make up for the lack of sightings!

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) towards Perth before taking the A9 main road the rest of the way to Aviemore from Edinburgh.

By Bus: There are no trains that will take you all the way from Edinburgh to Aviemore, but there are plenty of direct Megabus services.

Distance from Edinburgh: 128 miles (approx 3 hours)

16. Doune Castle

You’ve no doubt seen Doune Castle before without knowing it as this castle is one of the most prolific filming locations in Scotland. It’s appeared as a filming location in Monty Python and the Holy Grail , the TV show Outlander , and even in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones.

Aside from its appearance on screen in Holy Grail and the others, Doune Castle is also one of the most important historic buildings in Scottish history. Built during the 14th century, this castle was a royal retreat and hunting lodge for tons of Scottish monarchs including Mary, Queen of Scots.

The village of Doune also has lots of great antique shops and isn’t far from Deanston Distillery where you can sample some great Scottish whisky.

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 9 (M9) before turning left onto the B824 main road from Edinburgh to Doune. The castle is just outside of the town near the River Teith and is well signposted.

By Train/Bus: Hop on one of the main direct ScotRail services to Stirling from Edinburgh. Then, take the N 59 bus from the bus stop outside Stirling Station to Doune.

Distance from Edinburgh: 44 miles (approx 1 hour)

17. The Fife Coast

Just north of Edinburgh is the historic county of Fife which is known for its adorable fishing villages and first-rate seafood and fish and chip shops. Though it’s not on the coast, you should include the new city of Dunfermline in your Fife Coast day tour itinerary. It’s an up-and-coming town and also where you’ll find the ruins of a Royal Palace and the burial place of Robert the Bruce in Dunfermline Abbey.

Other places to visit include the coastal town of Burntisland and Anstruther. Burntisland has a beautiful old harbor and lighthouse, while the Anstruther Fish Bar is legendary amongst locals.

By Car: Drive north across the Forth Road Bridge along Motorway 90 (M90) to Dunfermline. Your GPS will want you to drive a different route, but take the scenic A921 main road along the coast to Burntisland and Anstruther. Stop at any of the historic villages or towns en route that looks pretty!

By Train/Bus: There are plenty of ScotRail train services to Dunfermline or Burntisland from Edinburgh. You can also reach Anstruther by taking the X60 service from Princes Street in Edinburgh to Leven Bus Station and taking the connecting service (N 95) to Anstruther.

Distance from Edinburgh: 50 miles (approx 1.5 hours)

18. Harry Potter Bridge and Steam Train

Are you a fan of the Harry Potter movies? Whilst you can take a guided tour around Edinburgh of several places that inspired the Harry Potter books, you’ll have to venture further afield to visit filming locations. Luckily, there are plenty of Harry Potter Scotland tours from Edinburgh that you can take.

Most tours include a visit to Fort William where you can hop on the Jacobite Steam Train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The steam train is a dead ringer for the Hogwarts Express and Glenfinnan Viaduct is the bridge that appeared in no less than three Harry Potter movies, most notably in Chamber of Secrets.

If you’re into Harry Potter, be sure to read my guide to Harry Potter London !

By Car: Drive north along Motorway 90 (M90) to Perth and then take the A9 main road along the border of the Cairngorms National Park. Then, head west on the A86 main road to Fort William from Edinburgh.

By Train/Bus: You can take the 900 Megabus service to Glasgow and change to the 916 CityLink service straight to Fort William. There are ScotRail train services to Fort William from Edinburgh that change at Glasgow Queen Street but these are far less frequent.

By Tour: Edinburgh day tours to the Harry Potter Bridge are, by far, the best option. You don’t have to worry about missing the train or booking any tickets yourself! Plus, it’s quite a long distance to cover and could be very tiring.

Haggis Adventures and Highland Explorer Tours from Edinburgh are both great options.

Distance from Edinburgh: 147 miles (approx 3.25 hours)

19. Alnwick Castle

Speaking of Harry Potter, how would you like to take a short trip across the English border and see a movie location?! Alnwick Castle is located in Northeast England and appeared as Hogwarts in Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets . If you’re also a fan of Downton Abbey , Alnwick Castle appears in the 2014 Christmas special.

While at Alnwick Castle, you can take Quidditch lessons (the muggle equivalent of Quidditch) and visit the poison garden in Alnwick Park. Alnwick is a charming town with a huge second-hand bookshop called Barter Books and lots of antique stores.

By Car: Drive along the main A1 road from Edinburgh before turning right just before you hit the village on the B634 road. Easy peasy!

By Train: Take an LNER or Cross Country train service from Edinburgh to Alnmouth which is very close to Alnwick. Then, hop on an X18 bus from the Curly Lane bus stop to Alnwick Bus Station.

Distance from Edinburgh: 86.5 miles (approx 2 hours)

20. Whisky Distillery Tours

Scotland has so many world-class Scottish whisky distilleries. Plus, most of them are in rural locations outside of the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The best way to visit a few different distilleries in one day is to take a whisky tour.

Some of the best distilleries near Edinburgh that you could include in your whiskey tour are Kingsbarns Distillery, Glenkinchie Distillery, Deanston Distillery (near Doune), Glenturret Distillery, Tullibardine Distillery, and Holyrood Distillery.

I don’t personally drink, but if you do, whisky is a quintessentially Scottish experience.

Unless one person in your travel group is happy to be a designated driver, these types of Scotland day trips from Edinburgh are much better on a tour! Then everyone gets to sample as much whisky as they (responsibly) can.

Rabbie’s Tours and Absolute Escapes both run whisky tours from Edinburgh to distilleries like Deanston Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery.

Taking day trips from Edinburgh and getting around via public transport in Scotland is a lot easier if you have a contactless credit card. You buy local city bus tickets (for example, in the Scottish Borders or from Edinburgh to Roslin) from the driver as you board with a tap of your card. They often don’t give change so it’s much preferable to paying with cash.

You should buy train tickets and intercity bus tickets (for example, CityLink and Megabus services) in advance. There are lots of ticket machines at Edinburgh Waverley Station (Edinburgh’s main train station) and Edinburgh Buchanan Bus Station (Edinburgh’s main bus station).

Trainline is the best app for train travel in the UK. You can buy electronic tickets and follow your route via this app. Intercity bus tickets are available from the bus company’s website.

Day Trips From Edinburgh FAQs

Absolutely! Glasgow is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh for several reasons.

First, Glasgow is super close to Edinburgh and is between a 30 to 40-minute train or car ride away. Second, it’s the antithesis of Edinburgh’s old world and medieval charm. Glasgow is much more cosmopolitan with more live music venues, bars, shopping, and entertainment options.

Unfortunately, taking a day trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye isn’t feasible. It’s a 227-mile/365 km drive which means it’s a 10-hour round trip.

However, if you have the time then there are plenty of amazing multi-day tours from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye. That will allow you to take more hikes like the Quiraing Circuit, and the Old Man of Storr, and visit distilleries like Talisker.

Whether you’re seeking mythical creatures at Loch Ness, great cocktail bars in Glasgow, or history at Doune or Blackness Castle, this guide to day trips from the Scottish capital has you covered.

These are the best day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland no matter your interests, how close you want to stay to the city, or whether you want to drive or take a train. Your Scottish vacation will be all the richer for discovering what else this magical country has to offer beyond Edinburgh’s borders.

Wanderlust Crew

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Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Scotland » 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh

Though Edinburgh itself can feel like an escape from big city life, with its cobbled streets and tranquil views – there is in fact an abundance of truly beautiful places on its doorstep that’ll make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different world.

From irresistibly picturesque coastlines to fairytale castles and all manner of highland dreamscapes, the regions surrounding Edinburgh are ideal for hikers and nature lovers alike.

For some inspiration and information on the best places that can be reached from Edinburgh in the space of a day, read on.

1. Loch Ness and the Highlands

Steeped in mystery and beauty alike, Loch Ness is one of the most popular day trips from Edinburgh and for good reason.

Spend the day hunting for the elusive yet much loved Loch Ness Monster and gaze upon the impossibly serene glassy waters of Glencoe whose sunsets rival those of any tropical beach.

A mere coach trip from Edinburgh, the Highlands can be wandered for an entire day without seeing everything there is to see, not to mention the majestic Urquhart Castle where you can learn some of the region’s history.

2. The Lammermuirs

Forming a natural boundary between Lothian and the Borders, The Lammermuirs are a series of gracefully rolling hills that are a world away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh city.

A veritable dream for landscape photographers, the Lammermuir Hills offer remote, heather covered expanses of nature that are perfect for road trips.

The long straight roads give uninterrupted sweeping views of the beautiful and undulating Scottish landscape that will leave you enchanted.

Though its an ideal spot for a picnic, you can also find the small village of Gifford hiding amongst the hills where you can grab a pub lunch.

3. Stirling

If you liked Edinburgh Castle then you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the monstrously large and majestic Stirling Castle that has stood tall since Medieval times and successfully withstood a number of Viking attacks.

Surrounded by forest and panoramic views of the hills and mountains of Stirling, the castle is worth a visit but you can also spend the day exploring the vast expanses of highland.

Known as the gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is alive with folkloric tales and history alike, with enough to keep nature lovers and history buffs entertained for an entire day.

4. Borders Train

The train to the Scottish Borders leaves from Edinburgh Waverly and will have you feeling as though you’ve stepped back in time with its gloriously classic steam locomotives that are a sight to behold and even more intriguing to actually ride on.

Soak up the cinematic Scottish landscapes of The Borders and stop at any number of the enchanting spots along the way like Galashiels or Tweedbank.

A true trip to the Scottish heartland, this is one train journey you’re not likely to forget.

5. St Andrews

Home to the oldest University in Scotland and a host of other intriguing attractions, St Andrews is a perfect day-long getaway to a quaint town filled with quaint things.

If the charming array of pubs and local shops don’t keep you busy, then head down to West Sands Beach for a stroll along the iconic coastline where Chariots of Fire was filmed.

You’ll also find an abundance of fine dining in St Andrews so make sure you arrive hungry to enjoy some world-class food in one of the many reputable restaurants.

6. Wemyss Bay

Wemyss Bay is a charmingly tradition village that hails back to Victorian times and it’s easy to see why.

The railway station is the perfect epitome of 19th Century architecture and is in fact one of the most attractive and well preserved railway stations in the country.

With no shortage of sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, the West Central Lowlands village is a perfect escape.

For the finishing touch, jump aboard the ferry to the Isle of Bute and explore the port of Rothesay.

The tiny fishing village of St Abbs is about as good as day trips from Edinburgh get, providing you with the ultimate tranquil getaway that is home to some of the most gorgeous coastal views Scotland has to offer.

The heather covered cliffs and headlands are perfect vantage points for some truly spectacular photography too.

Once you’re in St Abbs, you can either go surfing on some word-class waves (but remember to bring a wetsuit!) or simply take in the sea views, sea air and seabirds, all of which are in glorious abundance.

Positively dripping in history that shaped the fate of Scotland, Falkirk is the place that saw the defeat of William Wallace in 1298. Most well known for this event, it attracts history buffs and proud countrymen and women alike.

Marvel at the Falkirk Wheel, the only rotary connector in the entire world and one that links the Forth and Clyde Canal to the Union Canal.

Aside from this, allow yourself to be amazed by the biggest equine sculptures on the planet at The Kelpies, or simply enjoy the enviable shopping locations Falkirk has to offer.

9. North Berwick

An unbelievably short 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train is the beautifully picturesque seaside town of North Berwick.

Complete with everything you could want from a canonically Scottish seaside town, revel in walks along the beach enjoying ice-creams, or get in the sea with a paddle board to play in the waves.

As well as the beach, you can visit the iconic bird settlement known as Bass Rock, or for more aviary antics you can drop by the Sea Bird Center too.

As well as all this, North Berwick has got a plethora of coffee spots and excellent eats spread around town.

Home to the iconic and beautiful Rosslyn Chapel, one of the most famous holy sites in Scotland, Roslin is a perfect getaway for those looking to explore an intriguing small town on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

The 15th Century settlement is surrounded by an enchanting glen and has its very own collection of traditional Scottish pubs.

Between the peaceful natural surroundings and mysterious history, Roslin is a worthwhile day trip from Edinburgh that’s easy to get to.

Nestled on the banks of the serene River Tay, the longest river in the country, the town of Perth at one time was the Scottish capital.

Having lost none of its former glory, Perth now boasts sights such as the Scone Palace and the Stone of Destiny, both popular attractions to most visitors.

You’ll also get the chance to explore the breathtakingly intriguing Perth Museum and Art Gallery, hosting artefacts from meteorites to mummies all within the walls of the ornate building complete with pillars and glass ceilings.

For the foodies amongst you, Perth also has the enviable status of being a foodie haven, so make sure you arrive hungry!

12. Windermere

In less than 3 hours you can be in one of the most stunningly gorgeous places in the United Kingdom.

Thanks to Edinburgh’s extraordinarily close proximity to the border of England, it doesn’t take an unreasonably long time to get to Windermere, a town in the beautiful Lake District.

Here you can gaze upon the tranquil expanses of water that fill the largest lake in England, Lake Windermere.

With valleys and vantage points to soak up the panoramic views literally everywhere, you’ll want to spend longer than a day exploring the green and blue dreamscape of Windermere.

13. Burntisland

For a much closer destination that loses none of the charm of somewhere like the Lake District, jump on a train from Edinburgh and in a mere 35 minutes you’ll be on the beaches of Burntisland.

A coastal town with charming pebble beaches and forested coastline, it’s the ideal place to spend the whole day or even just an afternoon given how close it is to the capital.

Full of restaurants and activities like scuba diving, it’s the perfect family destination.

14. Glasgow

Though you’ll be escaping one city for another, there’s absolutely no denying that if you’re spending some time in Edinburgh it’s worth a visit to Scotland’s second most iconic city.

Just over an hour away, the city famous for being the inspiration for the seminal film Trainspotting is home to an irresistibly quirky West End district.

Offering hipster places to eat and a forward thinking fashion and music scene, Glasgow is an exciting place to be.

Boasting impressively large Botanical Gardens and the quiet beauty of Kelvingrove Park, there’s a little something for everyone in the city of Glasgow.

Close to the iconic St Andrews is the even more beautiful tiny coastal town of Elie, adored by visitors, residents and locals alike for its aesthetic charms.

Its golden sand beaches and perfectly preserved 16th Century harbour attract all manner of photographers to catch Elie’s seaside charms.

Another popular attraction is the Elie Lighthouse that simply put, has some of the most captivating views in the country, not to mention that the lighthouse itself is enchanting.

If the mesmerising surroundings on land aren’t enough for you then have a scenic tour on one of the many yachts in the harbour.

The golfing enthusiasts among you will be pleased to know that Elie sports two reputable golf courses and a rich history of golfing action.

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh:

• Loch Ness and the Highlands
• The Lammermuirs
• Borders Train
• North Berwick
• Burntisland

Savvy Travel Advice

Edinburgh Day Trips: 15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

Last updated: December 18, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 34 Comments

After four years living in Edinburgh, we’ve put together a guide to our favorite day trips from Edinburgh Scotland. There are so many things you can do and see on a day trip from Edinburgh, which include exploring castles, touring whisky distilleries, teeing off on a famous golf course, exploring historical attractions, birdwatching, hiking in national parks, and visiting filming locations for popular movies and TV shows like Outlander , Harry Potter , and Downton Abbey .

We suggest ideas for 15 different day trips from Edinburgh that cover a range of interests as well as a wide array of regions from the Scottish Borders to Glasgow to the Scottish Highlands. For each day trip from Edinburgh, we provide all the information you need about how to plan your day out, from how to get there to things you can do there. We provide information on traveling by car, bus, train, and as part of a guided day tour.

We lived just south of Edinburgh for four years and have visited all these places a number of times, both by ourselves and on tours. We’ve also explored a lot more of Scotland. So just shout if you have any questions or need further Edinburgh day trip ideas!

Table of Contents:

15 Best Day Trips from Edinburgh Scotland

If you’ve exhausted all the things to do in Edinburgh , and are looking for more things to do in Scotland, Edinburgh can be a great base for some terrific day trips. You can set off to Scotland’s largest city, learn about Scotch whisky , search for Nessie at Loch Ness , explore a medieval castle, or take in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands

Here is our list of the 15 best day trips from Edinburgh in no particular order:

Rosslyn Chapel

Rosslyn Chapel, also known as the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, is a 15th century chapel located in the small village of Roslin. It was built for the Sinclair family as a Roman Catholic church, but after the Scottish Reformation it became part of the Scottish Episcopal church. It is still an active church that is privately owned by the Earl of Rosslyn.

The small chapel with its intricate stonework alongside the ruins of Rosslyn Castle have attracted many famous visitors over the centuries including Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Robert Burns, William Wordsworth, Queen Victoria, and Tom Hanks.

The chapel is considered one of the architectural gems of Scotland. The stone that forms the chapel’s pillars and arches, including the exterior, contains intricate carving work portraying a number of religious and secular symbols and imagery. The most notable feature is the Apprentice’s Pillar, which is a pillar that is covered in intricate carvings and stonework, and was clearly made by a very talented stonemason.

However, today, it is best known for its speculated connection to freemasonry and the Holy Grail as was made famous by Dan Brown’s bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code . In the book, members of the Knights Templar hide the “Holy Grail” in the chapel’s crypt. Since the book and subsequent film starring Tom Hanks, the number of visitors to the chapel have multiplied and a new visitor center was built for the chapel.

There is a fee to visit the chapel. Talks and tours are given regularly by staff each day which are free to take part in. There is also a small cafe and gift shop area. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel.

If the weather is nice, we recommend taking the walking path over to see the ruins of Roslin Castle (part of this is a private residence though so stay beyond their parking area), and then doing a hike on one of the trails in Roslin Glen Country Park.

If you are looking for other things to do in this general area (we live in this part of Scotland), some suggestions are  Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh, Craigmillar Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh,  Butterfly World  in Lasswade, National Mining Museum in Newtongrange, or hiking in the Pentland Hills .

Or you can also head further south to explore part of the Scottish Borders region which we cover later in the article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

It is easy to get to Rosslyn Chapel by car, bus, or day tour.

Rosslyn Chapel is located about a 10 mile (16 km) drive south of Edinburgh, and it takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive there. There is free parking located at Rosslyn Chapel for visitors.

By Public Transportation

There are regular buses from Edinburgh to Roslin but there is no train station in Roslin. The journey by bus takes about 50 minutes. From the nearest bus stop (Rosslyn Inn), it is about a 3 minute walk to the chapel.

Most of the other attractions mentioned in the area can also be easily reached by bus. The National Mining Museum in Newtongrange can also be reached directly by train from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn Chapel

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that visit Rosslyn Chapel and most tours also visit other attractions as well. This day tour visits Rosslyn Chapel and also visits some attractions in the Scottish Borders, including Melrose Abbey.

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and well worth a visit as it offers a refreshing contrast to the more tourist-oriented Edinburgh. The city is known for its friendly residents who can be a bit hard to understand with their famous Glaswegian accents. The city sits alongside the River Clyde and is only about 45 miles west of Edinburgh.

The city is home to lots of free museums and attractions, a thriving live music scene, beautiful parks, amazing street art, and the best shopping in Scotland. For architecture lovers, there are a large number of buildings in the city designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. There are also breweries and distilleries you can visit and tour within the city.

If you are thinking of taking a day trip to Glasgow from Edinburgh, check out our guide to things to do in Glasgow and our Glasgow street art guide . There’s a lot to do and see in Glasgow, so I’d plan ahead so you can make the most of your day trip. Some of the city’s attractions and tours need to be booked in advance.

There is plenty to keep you busy for a day in central Glasgow, but some attractions outside of central Glasgow, depending on your interests, include Pollock House , House of an Art Lover , and the National Museum of Rural Life .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glasgow

The easiest ways to get to Glasgow from Edinburgh are by car, bus, or train. You can also get there via plane, taxi, or day tour.

For drivers, Glasgow is about 50 miles west from Edinburgh and the drive normally takes about 1 hour and 10  minutes from the city center. However, it really depends on traffic. We recommend avoiding the morning and afternoon rush hour traffic to save on driving time.

There are two main routes, taking the M8 or taking the M9 and M80. Both roughly take about the same amount of time, but check traffic before setting out as this is often the busiest section of road in Scotland as the routes link the country’s two largest cities.

Train connections are regular between Edinburgh and Glasgow.  Trainline and  ScotRail  are good websites to check for schedules and train tickets.

Bus connections are regular between the two cities. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices between the two cities. You can also book a  CityLink shuttle bus  which provides direct service between Edinburgh and central Glasgow.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glasgow

Glasgow is probably best visited by train or bus from Edinburgh as there are a number of regular connections. However, if you would prefer a tour you might consider this custom private trip to Glasgow with a chauffeur.

St. Andrews, Dundee, & Fife Villages

Fife is both a historical area, often referred to as the Kingdom of Fife , and a council region of Scotland. There are a number of places worth visiting in the area, with the most notable being St. Andrews, Dunfermline, and the fishing villages. Just north of Fife is the city of Dundee which is also well worth a visit.

Dunfermline is known for its long history of royal connections and its large number of well-preserved historical buildings. The most notable is Dunfermline Abbey which was originally built in the 12th century during the reign of David I. The abbey is most notable for its architecture and for being the burial place for 18 members of Scottish royalty. Dunfermline is also the home town of the famous philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and you can learn more about him at the Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum .

St Andrews is located on the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in the world, the ruins of St. Andrew’s Castle and the  Cathedral of St Andrew , and for being the birthplace of modern golf. It is also the town where Prince William went to university and met Kate Middleton.

St. Andrews offers a number of museums and attractions, the oldest golf course in the world ( Old Course ), and a number of shops and well-rated restaurants. Plenty to keep you busy for a full day. There are also a number of golf courses in and around St. Andrews, so if you want to play a round, be sure to book a tee time in advance.

About 7 miles outside of St. Andrews is also the Secret Bunker , a Cold War nuclear command center and secret bunker that has been opened to the public. Note that it is closed for part of the winter months.

The small historic fishing villages along the Fife coast are a nice places to stop over for a seafood meal and a stroll along the harbor. Many also offer other attractions as well, such as the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther. A few villages to consider are Crail, Anstruther, Elie, and Pittenweem.

Dundee is a coastal city on the Firth of Tay and is best known as a UNESCO city of design and for its museums and maritime attractions which include the RRS Discovery , Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the HMS Frigate Unicorn , a 19th-century Georgian wooden warship. The city’s newest attraction is the V&A Dundee , Scotland’s first ever design museum, which opened in September 2018. The museum is free to visit although there is an extra charge for some temporary exhibitions.

Try to avoid leaving or returning to Edinburgh during rush hours as the traffic in and out of Edinburgh and across the bridges at Queensferry is often slow during these times.

But we do recommend making a quick stop to take in the view of the three bridges crossing the Firth of Forth. The Forth Rail Bridge is an UNESCO designated Victoria era rail bridge that is architecturally significant for being the longest single cantilever bridge span when it was completed in 1890.

How to Get from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

The easiest way to get to St. Andrews from Edinburgh is by car, bus, day tour, or private transfer . Dunfermline and Dundee can be easily reached by train, bus, car, or day tour.

Buses are options to almost all the mentioned locations, but if you want to visit multiple towns in this area in one day, we’d recommend either driving or booking a day tour.

For drivers, Dunfermline is about an 18 mile drive north of Edinburgh and it usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes, St. Andrews is about 50 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, and Dundee is about 60 miles away and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Parking is limited in St. Andrews city center but there are free and paid parking areas as you enter the city. We normally park in the large parking area next to the British Museum of Golf. This parking area is free during the low season but there is a parking charge during busier times of year. It is located just across from the Old Course.

Buses operate from Edinburgh to most of the mentioned cities and towns. A bus to Dunfermline takes about 40 minutes. A bus from Edinburgh to St. Andrews takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A bus from Edinburgh to Dundee takes about 1.5 hours. You can check  National Express  for coach connections and prices.

Dundee can easily be reached by train from Edinburgh and the train takes between 1 hour and 1.5 hours. Dunfermline can also be reached by train in 30 to 45 minutes. You can check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

There is currently no operating train station in St. Andrews and the nearest station is located in Leuchars, about 5 miles away. If you want to travel by train from Edinburgh, you’ll need to take a train to Leuchars and then take a bus or taxi to St. Andrews.

For more complicated itineraries, you might want to use Traveline to figure out the best way to get from place to place.

* Note: There are tentative plans to reopen the train station in St. Andrews and provide a direct rail link between Edinburgh and St. Andrews and strengthen rail links throughout Fife. So worth checking if you’re wanting to travel by train.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to St. Andrews

There are several day tours that head up to Fife, most focusing on a visit to historic St. Andrews. We’ve done and enjoyed this day tour which stops at St. Andrews, the historic town of Falkland, and at a couple of the Fife fishing villages.

There is also this full day private tour which includes St. Andrews and a number of other locations along the Fife coast.

Outlander Filming Sites

Outlander is a romantic fantasy drama TV series set in Scotland that was adapted from the best-selling books by American author Diana Gabaldon. The storyline is set in both the 1940’s and the 18th century as Claire Randall is transported back in time to 1743. In the 18th century she meets a Highland warrior named Jamie Fraser and the series mainly centers on their love and relationship amongst tumultuous circumstances.

To be honest, we are not huge fans of the show but we have visited most of the filming locations for Outlander and most are places worth visiting whether you are a fan of the show or not. If you are a fan, we’d recommend considering joining an  Outlander themed tour to enjoy a day out with other fans.

The show is primarily shot at the filming studio near Glasgow, but a number of scenes for Outlander have been shot in filming locations throughout Scotland. Here are some of the better known and more interesting ones that are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh. You can choose a handful of these to visit to make a full day trip of it.

• Blackness Castle – A 15th century sea-edge fortress that is shaped like a ship, located about 20 miles (45 minute drive) from Edinburgh. In Outlander , it was used as Fort William and is where Jamie received lashings from Captain Randall and where Jamie rescues Claire from Black Jack.
• Culross – Culross is a picturesque village with a number of historic buildings that are under the care of the National Trust for Scotland . Many scenes for Outlander were filmed here as it was used as Cranesmuir in the show and you’ll also find Claire’s herb garden here. It is located about 25 miles away (45 to 55 minute drive) from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle – Doune Castle was built around 1400 and was used as the fictional Castle Leoch in Outlander.  However, it is better known for being the primary setting for the majority of the scenes in the film  Monty Python and the Holy Grail . It is located about 45 miles from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1.5 hour drive).
• Falkland – A small historic village located in Perthshire, about a 40 mile (50 to 60 minute drive) from Edinburgh. Its most notable landmark is Falkland Palace which is run by the National Trust and open to the public. Falkland was used as 1940’s Inverness in the show.
• Hopetoun House  – Hopetoun House is a gorgeous 17th century mansion home which featured as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham in Outlander.  Located about 14 miles from central Edinburgh (30 minute drive). Open seasonally to the public.
• Midhope Castle – Midhope Castle is a tower house (used as Lallybroch in the TV show) that is also on a private section of the Hopetoun Estate and is sometimes accessible to visitors. The building is derelict so you can only see the exterior. Parking pass needed to visit. Open seasonally.
• Linlithgow Palace  – A partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. It featured as Wentworth Prison in Outlander . It is located about 18 miles drive from Edinburgh (35 to 50 minutes).
• Newhailes House – A 17th-century Palladian villa located about 6 miles (20 minutes drive) from Edinburgh. Scenes were shot here for Outlander of Jamie discussing land grants with Governor Tryon in North Carolina. The house is open seasonally for guided visits and run by the National Trust.

Note that almost all the attractions mentioned charge a fee for entry, and many close during the winter months.

For more Outlander locations, see our detailed guide to all the Outlander filming locations in Scotland .

How to Get from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

The easiest way is going to be by car or day tour. Although you can get to many of the sites by public transportation it would be difficult to visit more than 2 or 3 locations in one day.

All of the attractions can be visited by car and all are within a 2 hour drive of Edinburgh, and there are several within a 1 hour drive.

Many of the Outlander filming sites can be visited by bus or train from Edinburgh, including Linlithgow Palace, Falkirk, Blackness Castle, and Newhailes House. I’d check Traveline for the best method and route depending on the filming sites of most interest to you.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Outlander Sites

There are several tours from Edinburgh that go to several Outlander sites in one day, most visiting the same filming locations. We’ve done this 1 day tour with Rabbies that includes stops at several Outlander filming locations including Culross, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and Linlithgow Palace.

If you’re a super fan, you may consider a longer Outlander tour such as this 4 day tour that visits just about all the major Outlander sites in Scotland, or this shorter 2 day tour option .

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park

Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park was designated as Scotland’s first national park in 2002. The large national park includes mountains, forest, lochs (lakes), small villages, and farmland. Loch Lomond is the largest inland body of water by surface area in the UK.

The park is a popular place for hiking, camping, biking, and water sports. It’s particularly well known for hiking and is crossed by two of Scotland’s most popular long distance paths, the West Highland Way and The Three Lochs Way. There are also historic villages, scenic viewpoints, adventure parks, and boat cruises. This is also the land of Scottish outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy MacGregor .

If you are thinking about visiting, check out our travel guide to the top things to do in Loch Lomond to help plan your time here. A great place for a day trip or an overnight trip.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

The easiest way to get from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond is by car or day tour, but you can also get there by bus or train. If traveling by public transit, you’ll want to plan carefully to make the most of your time.

Loch Lomond National Park covers a large area, but it is about 80 miles away from Edinburgh. It takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the village of Luss alongside Loch Lomond from Edinburgh.

You can travel by bus or a combination of bus and train to several villages within Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. These include Luss, Balloch, Tarbet, Callander, and Killin. But almost all routes include stops and changes. Travel times vary from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the village.

If traveling by train, a few villages in and around Loch Lomond & the Trossachs are on a train line, such as Balloch and Tarbet. If you get off at Balloch, you can walk to several attractions (Balloch boat pier for loch cruises, aquarium, Birds of Prey centre, Balloch Castle Country Park ). Check ScotRail and Trainline for schedules and train tickets.

For planning journeys by bus or multi-stop journeys, you can use Traveline to figure out the best route.

If you get to Balloch by bus or train, you can join a bus tour there such as this one of the park to explore further afield.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Lomond

There are several day tours from Edinburgh that include visits to Loch Lomond, such as this one that visits Stirling Castle, the Kelpies, and Loch Lomond, this one that visits Loch Lomond and 2 whisky distilleries, and this one that visits Loch Lomond as well as three castles.

If you want to do a cruise of Loch Lomond on a day tour, this one visits Stirling Castle and Loch Lomond and includes the option for a 1 hour boat cruise.

Whisky Distillery Tours

Whisky is the drink most associated with Scotland and many visitors want a chance to learn more about it, see how it is made, and taste a few drams. There are lots of places in Edinburgh where you can try Scottish whisky but there are no distilleries currently open to the public in the city. But luckily there are several within a 1 to 2 hour drive of the capital.

There are a number of whisky distilleries within driving distance of Edinburgh that you could visit on a day trip. I’d try to choose one or two based on a particular brand, type (single malt or blended), or taste (e.g., peaty or fruity) of whisky you personally enjoy.

If you are new to Scotch whisky, I’d recommend doing a tour and tasting at the Scotch Whisky Experience  or a local history and tasting tour first in Edinburgh, and then that should help you know better about what kind of whisky you enjoy.

Many whisky distillery tours are fairly similar so we’d advise that one or 2 are plenty for most people. You can easily combine a couple into one day. Also if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t enjoy whisky, try to combine the distillery visit with another attraction of interest.

For instance we’ve done this  whisky tasting tour from Edinburgh that stopped at both Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery. I actually opted to visit Doune Castle (located nearby) instead of the Deanston Distillery as the tour gives you flexibility to do as much or as little as you want at the distilleries themselves.

Here is a list to get you started of several distilleries located within a 2-hour drive of Edinburgh:

• Glenkinchie Distillery – This single malt Lowlands distillery is just a 19 mile (31 km) drive from Edinburgh (30 to 40 minute drive) in the town of Tranent. Offers tours and tastings.
• Glengoyne Distillery – A popular whisky distillery located in Dumgoyne, about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1.5 hour drive). It has been in continuous operation since its founding in 1833 and makes its unpeaty single malt whisky using slow and traditional methods. Tours and tastings available.
• Deanston Distillery – Deanston Distillery is a popular whisky distillery in Doune situated alongside the River Teith. It is located about 45 miles (72 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour to 1 hour 30 minute drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.
• Glenturret Distillery – This distillery is located in Crief about 55 miles (88 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 20 minute to 1 hour 50 minute drive). The Glenturret Distillery produces single malt whiskies and offers tours and tastings. Pre-booking is recommended.
• Aberfeldy Distillery – The Dewar’s Aberfeldy Distillery is located outside Aberfeldy, about 74 miles (119 km) from Edinburgh (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours drive). It produces single malt whisky and offers tours and tastings.

There are also a few newer distilleries, like Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, within driving distance but they are relatively new and don’t have their own whiskies yet (should have a 5 year by 2022). Although they do tours of their distilleries and include tastings of other whiskies from around Scotland. So still worth visiting if you don’t mind that they are not producing their own spirits yet.

Most whisky distilleries offer several tours throughout the day and can be booked on arrival, but some do require advanced booking, especially in the low season, so be sure to check ahead. Also special tours and experiences (e.g., masterclasses, food and whisky tours) often need to be booked in advance.

Whiskey distillery visits are great for rainy days as the majority of tours take place indoors and you can get warmed up with a dram. Most of the larger distilleries offer a cafe or restaurant where you can get hot food and drinks. As they say in Scotland, today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky!

It is easy to combine a visit to a distillery to a visit to another attraction in Scotland such as Loch Lomond National Park, Stirling Castle, Falkirk, Glasgow, Doune Castle, or Rosslyn Chapel. Many day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow include a whisky distillery stop as part of the itinerary.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

The easiest ways to visit a whisky distillery from Edinburgh is by car or day tour, but it is also possible by public transportation. You can also book private transfers such as this one .

All of the whisky distilleries can be reached by car and most have free dedicated parking lots. They range from 30 minutes to 2-hour drives from Edinburgh.

If you are thinking of driving yourself, note the Scottish drinking and driving laws  are very strict, so almost all distilleries offer to-go sample cups for drivers and bikers. If you don’t want to drive, I’d recommend booking a driver or guided tour.

Some whisky distilleries can be reached by bus or train and some are not well-served by public transit. So you’ll want to check on the distilleries you want to visit on Traveline for the best bus or train services. For instance you can visit the Glengoyne Distillery, Deanston Distillery, Aberfeldy Distillery, and Glenturret Distillery by public transit

In most cases, it is likely going to be easier and more time efficient to join a day tour from Edinburgh to visit distilleries than to do it via public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Whisky Distilleries

Several tours from Edinburgh include stops at a whisky distillery. This whisky tour includes stops at two single malt whisky distilleries and a visit to Loch Lomond. This  day tour include a stop at a distillery as well as stops in small villages, scenic viewpoints, and Highland lochs. This day tour includes Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond and a stop at one distillery.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park was the second national park established in Scotland and is currently the largest national park in the British Isles. It is most notable for its mountain range, the Cairngorms. It is a popular area for a number of outdoor recreation activities including hiking, boating, climbing, fishing, camping, skiing, and birdwatching.

It is a popular area for families with lots of activities such as the Landmark Forrest Park (amusement park), Highland Wildlife Park (animal park), and Aviemore Zip Trek Park (ziplining park). The Strathspey Railway , which offers steam train rides, is also a popular attraction for people of all ages.

There are a number of castles and historical attractions located within the park that can be visited by the public, including Blair Castle, Braemar Castle, Ruthven Barracks, and Balmoral Castle (Queen’s private residence). There are also museums such as the Highland Folk Museum (large open-air museum) and Grantown Museum .

The park is also home to several whisky distilleries that can be visited including Dalwhinnie, Glenlivet, Tomintoul, and Speyside. The best known of which is probably Dalwhinnie Distillery .

It is one of the best wildlife and birding areas in Scotland, home to a number of species including red squirrels, capercaillie, osprey, deer, badgers, and the Scottish wildcat. You can take a guided wildlife tour here with Speyside Wildlife  and/or visit the Osprey Centre .

If you are thinking of visiting in winter, we have a guide to visiting the Cairngorms in winter for tips and things to do. The park is the most popular area for winter sports in Scotland and is home to three of Scotland’s five ski resorts. Scotland is the only place in the British Isles with ski resorts and you can read our  guide to skiing in Scotland for more information.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

The best way to get from Edinburgh to the Cairngorms National park is by car, but you can also get here via bus or train. Some towns, such as Aviemore, are well-connected by bus and train from Edinburgh, whereas others, such as Braemar, are not.

It depends where you are driving, but it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the southern part of the park (e.g., Blair Atholl). It is about 130 miles (209 km) from Edinburgh to Aviemore (largest town in park) and the drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

There are bus connections from Edinburgh to several villages and towns within the Cairngorms National Park, including Aviemore, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. However, the best connections are primarily to those town and villages in the southern and western areas of the national park.

Train connections are possible to some villages and towns including Aviemore, Dalwhinnie, Blair Atholl, and Newtonmore. Trains can take 2 to 4 hours depending on destination and route.

You can check the bus services and routes online via National Express  and  Stagecoach  (local operator for most services within Cairngorms). Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If you are planning to travel around the Cairngorms by public transit, I’d check out  this brochure  (just note it was last updated in 2015) for an idea of the bus, train, and national cycle routes within the park itself.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Cairngorms National Park

We don’t know of any day tours from Edinburgh that only focus on Cairngorms but some do drive through or make a stop or two.

If you want to do a day tour to explore the Cairngorms National Park while in Scotland, we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness or Aberdeen and then booking a day trip from there. Both cities are closer and will allow you to explore this area better.

This day tour from Inverness and this day tour from Aberdeen both explore parts of the Cairngorms National Park.

Loch Ness is a large deep freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands and is the second deepest loch in Scotland. It is best known for the numerous sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, known as “Nessie”. The first such reported sighting of the mysterious sea monster was in 1933.

There are several things to do in and around the loch, and the most popular is to take a cruise on the loch , which range from about 30 minutes to 3 hours. A visit to the picturesque ruined Urquhart Castle can be done as part of a cruise or on its own.

A few other places of interest are the village of Drumnadrochit, the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition , scenic Glen Affric, and a visit to the town of Fort Augustus which is a good place to get a look at the Caledonian Canal. There are also a number of hikes and outdoor activities in this area, and there is even a little beach area near the Dores Inn .

For more information, see our complete guide to visiting Loch Ness , which has details of all the attractions in the area.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

The easiest ways to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness are by day tour or car, but you can also reach Loch Ness by bus or a combination of train and bus.

Although Loch Ness can be done as a day trip from Edinburgh and is a popular place to visit, it is a long way to go for a day trip. So we recommend either doing it as an overnight trip or booking a day tour to avoid having to do so much driving in one day. In winter, the limited amount of daylight hours, means you’ll likely be driving back in the dark.

It is about a 175 mile (281 km) drive to Drumnadrochit from Edinburgh, which can take between 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on traffic. You can get to most places in the Loch Ness area within 4 to 5 hours.

Given the long drive, we’d recommend doing this as an overnight trip from Edinburgh or as a day tour so you don’t have to worry about 7 to 8 hours or more of driving.

By public transportation you can reach Drumnadrochit, Clansman Harbour (one of the places cruises depart), Urquhart Castle, and Fort Augustus. This is possible by bus or via a combination of bus and train. Travel time is 4.5 to 5.5 hours each way, many requiring stops and changes, making this not an ideal way to travel for a day trip.

Different bus services operate here and most journeys require multiple stops so you can use Traveline to plan the best route. Many journeys require you to stop first in Inverness. Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

If planning to visit as a day trip, we’d strongly recommending booking a day tour instead. Or consider staying overnight in Inverness or surrounds, there are lots of great places to stay in the area.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness

There are several companies offering day tours from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, including Rabbie’s Loch Ness tour that also visits scenic Glencoe as well as this day tour option .

A day tour from Edinburgh to Loch Ness is a long day with lots of time in a bus, and ideally we’d recommend taking the train to Inverness and doing a tour to Loch Ness from Inverness as it will allow you to see more at a slower pace.

Stirling Castle & Falkirk

Stirling is a city north of Edinburgh that was once a very powerful town in Scotland. Stirling Castle, alongside Edinburgh Castle, was one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland and it dominates the city’s skyline. It was the medieval home for Scottish royalty and it saw many battles and sieges.

Today, Stirling Castle is the most popular visitor attraction in Stirling, and a tour here allows you to learn about its long history, the people who lived here, and see its principal rooms. You may also want to visit the Church of the Holy Rude, a nearby church that was used by royalty staying at Stirling Castle in the medieval period.

Other things to see in or near Stirling is the battle site of the Battle of Bannockburn , which was a famous battle fought between the Scottish and English in 1314 where Robert the Bruce’s army beat the army of King Edward II in what is often referred to as the First War of Scottish Independence. You can learn more at the  Battle of Bannockburn 3D Experience .

Nearby is the National Wallace Monument , a large memorial completed in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace , a Scottish knight and hero, who fought alongside Robert the Bruce. He is the man who was famously portrayed by Mel Gibson in the 1995 film Braveheart . Wallace’s sword is also on display here. You can see the monument from a distance for free (it is 220 feet high!), but there is a fee to visit.

On the way to Stirling, you’ll pass by the town of Falkirk, where you’ll find a number of additional attractions. The Kelpies are 98 feet tall steel horse head sculptures and they are the largest equine sculptures in the world. You can get a glimpse of them from the highway but we recommend stopping to visit them (free to visit, but small fee if you want to climb inside one of them).

Other attractions worth visiting nearby include the Falkirk Wheel (an interesting boat lift connecting 2 canals, can take a short ride) and Callendar House  (grand 19th century mansion with medieval core). For history buffs, the remains of a section of the Antonine Wall (a smaller northern version of Hadrian’s Wall) runs through the grounds of Callendar House.

Yet, another attraction that could be visited as part of a day trip to Stirling is Linlithgow Palace , a partially ruined medieval royal residence and the birthplace of King James V and Mary Queen of Scots. A great piece of history although we had a very confusing time trying to navigate it due to its ruined layout! On a nice day, you may want to walk the path around Linlithgow Loch located below the palace.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Stirling

It is easy to get from Edinburgh to Stirling by train, car, bus, or day tour. It is also possible to reach Falkirk by car, train, bus, or day tour.

Stirling is about a 36-mile (58 km) drive from Edinburgh, and the drive takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes. Falkirk is about a 45-minute drive away from Edinburgh. The M9 goes past both cities.

You can reach Stirling bus or train, and the journey takes about 1 hour.

The train between Edinburgh and Falkirk takes about 30 minutes. From here, you would need to take a local bus (check First Bus ) to get closer to most of the city’s visitor attractions. 

You can check the bus services and routes online via  National Express . Check ScotRail and Trainline for train routes and tickets.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Stirling

You can visit some of these sites, most notably Stirling Castle and the Kelpies, via a day tour. This day tour includes a visit to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park, and the Kelpies.

If you want to see the Falkirk Wheel and explore Callendar House as well, you might consider this private day tour . It includes pick up and drop off from Edinburgh hotels and time spent at the Kelpies, Falkirk Wheel, and Callendar House. See more tour options for Falkirk here .

Scottish Borders

The Scottish Borders is the southern region of Scotland that borders England. It is a hilly, bucolic, and largely rural area that was once occupied by the Romans and saw the coming and going of many Scottish and English armies over the centuries. It is the area of Scotland just south of where we live!

We enjoy exploring the Scottish Borders as it is relatively unknown to most tourists and there is a lot of scenery and historical sites in the area. You’ll find historic market towns, Roman sites, ruined grand abbeys, brochs, castles, nature areas, and a network of hiking paths.

Scenic towns that are easy to explore on foot include Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose, and Peebles. The area is known for its four great ruined medieval abbeys (ruined during the reign of King Henry VIII) at Kelso, Jedburgh, Melrose, and Dryburgh. The most famous of which is probably Melrose Abbey which was the first Cistercian abbey in Scotland.

There are also a number of castles, museums, and historical attractions. Castles that are open to the public in the area include Floors Castle ,  Hermitage Castle , and Thirlestane Castle . Museums include the Mary Queen of Scots Visitor Center in Jedburgh, Jedburgh Castle Jail and Museum , and the  Coldstream Museum .

Many sites in the Scottish Borders have a relationship with writer Sir Walter Scott who spent much of his childhood living in the area with his aunt and would later make this his home as an adult. For example, you can find a plaque and bust in Kelso (where he went to school and spent many summers with his aunt and uncle), visit the courthouse museum in Selkirk where Scott served as sheriff for almost 30 years, tour his grand house Abbotsford , and see his burial place in Dryburgh Abbey .

If you’d like to hike in the area, you can check out local walking routes here . If you like history you might consider walking a section of the 65 mile Borders Abbeys Way which connects the four abbeys and other attractions as well. The Sir Walter Scott Way also runs through the region.

The Scottish Borders is a large area, so it really depends on what your interests are but it is definitely a region worth exploring if you are looking for a lesser known and less busy destination in Scotland. You can read about the first two day trips we took ourselves to this area to come up with a list of things to do in the Scottish Borders .

You can also combine a visit to the Scottish Borders with a stop at Rosslyn Chapel or a visit across the border to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland. Both are covered in detail in other sections of this article.

How to Get from Edinburgh to the Scottish Borders

It is easy to visit the area by car, bus, or day tour. You can also reach the area by train.

You can easily reach the Scottish Borders by car. It takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hour to reach towns in the Scottish Borders. For instance Peebles is 23 miles (37 km), Melrose is 37 miles (59 km), Selkirk is 39 miles (62 km), and Jedburgh is 48 miles (77 km) from Edinburgh.

You can reach most of the towns by bus from Edinburgh which include Melrose, Selkirk, Galashiels, Kelso, and Peebles. Travel times vary widely but most towns can be reached in 1 hour to 2 hours. You can check bus services and routes online via Borders Buses.

In many cases you can save time by taking the train and then getting a bus from Galashiels or Tweedbank. You can reach Galashiels and Tweedbank by train from Edinburgh on the Border Railway. You can book tickets via ScotRail  or  Trainline . From these stations, you can connect by bus to reach most of the other towns in the Scottish Borders or book a taxi.

Galashiels is the largest town in the Scottish Borders and here you’ll find the best transport links and the most services.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Borders

There are a number of day tours that can give you a taste of the Scottish Borders. This Rabbies tour includes a visit to Rosslyn Chapel and Melrose Abbey, this one visits the Scottish Borders with a stop in Jedburgh and Hadrian’s Wall, and this day tour visits Alnwick Castle with a stop in Kelso.

Scottish Seabird Centre

The Scottish Seabird Centre is a charity-run discovery center in North Berwick that runs birdwatching boat trips and also participates in a number of local conservation efforts. The Firth of Forth is an important breeding area and is believed to be used by almost half of all of Europe’s seabirds!

Species that breed here each year include razorbills, Atlantic puffins, Atlantic gannets, Arctic terns, kittiwakes, shags, cormorants, and numerous duck species. Most notably, the world’s largest colony of northern gannets (over 150,000!) nest each year on Bass Rock.

The Discovery Centre is an interactive information and museum center, designed to be family-friendly. From here, you can learn about all the local species and even watch the birds on live cams that are set up on the island and local cliffs. There is also a cafe and gift center here.

The boat tours run from about April to November, and leave from the Scottish Seabird Centre. The boat tours go to or around one or more of the small rocks or islands where the birds nest each Spring and Summer. These include Bass Rock, Lamb, Craigleith, and the Isle of May. Some of the special tours include landings on either Bass Rock or the Isle of May.

If you love birds, especially sea birds, and are visiting in the Spring or Summer, we’d definitely recommend considering a visit here. In addition to birds, you also have the chance to see dolphins, seals, and whales in these waters. There is also a view of the ruined Tantallon Castle.

We’ve visited twice and done two boat tours so far, one RIB boat tour that circled the three islands and one regular boat tour that landed on the Isle of May. Both tours were educational and fun, and we got to see a lot of birds on both trips. You can read about our experiences and tips for visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre  to help plan your own trip. It is best to pre-book the boat tours in advance.

North Berwick is a nice town to wander around and has a number of casual eateries and pubs; we recommend trying the local seafood. Other attractions around North Berwick include Tantallon Castle , a ruined 14th century castle, and the National Museum of Flight . There are also dozens of golf courses along the coast between Edinburgh and North Berwick; just be sure to book a tee time in advance if you want to play.

You can also combine a day trip out to North Berwick with a visit to other attractions such as Rosslyn Chapel in Roslin or Newhailes House & Gardens in Musselburgh.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

It is easy to reach North Berwick by car, train, or bus.

It is about a 25 mile (40 km) drive from Edinburgh to North Berwick, which usually takes about 45 to 50 minutes. There is a pay-and-display car park located at the Scottish Seabird Centre or street parking in town.

North Berwick is well connected to Edinburgh by public transit. You can travel by train from Edinburgh to North Berwick by train in about 30 to 40 minutes. You can book tickets via Trainline  or ScotRail .

Or you can take a bus (check schedule online with East Coast Buses ) to North Berwick, which takes about 1 hour.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Scottish Seabird Centre

We are not aware of any day tours that visit the Scottish Seabird Centre or stop in North Berwick, but it is easy to reach North Berwick by public transit. However, you could arrange a private transfer or private tour.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the northernmost part of the Roman province of Britannia, which is now northern England. It is believed construction on the wall started around 122 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, and it was used by the Romans until they left Britain in the early 5th century. It is 73 miles long (80 Roman miles) and runs from Wallsend to the Solway Firth.

Games of Thrones fans will likely know, or be interested to learn, that the Game of Thrones book series written by George RR Martin was inspired by Martin’s visit to Hadrian’s Wall in 1981. He notes that the Wall was the first thing he developed in the books, and you can read more about that in his  2014 interview with Rolling Stone .

Hadrian’s Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and has become a popular tourist attraction. Many people, especially UK residents, do a week-long walk from one end to the other during the summer months. But as a day trip, you can still see a section of the wall and visit one of the forts.

There are hundreds of Hadrian’s Wall and Roman related sites in the area, and if you are really interested in seeing specific things I’d recommend getting a recent guidebook on the wall to help you learn more and choose the best things to visit. But if you are just happy to see a few highlights, we’ll recommend some places that work well as a day trip from Edinburgh below.

You can see stretches of it by car or bus along the Roman Dere Street and then one of the most popular places to get out and see the wall up close is at Steel Rigg. Nearby, Sycamore Gap (easy to spot from the Roman Dere Street) is a scenic spot that was featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

There is a parking area at Steel Rigg which provides a nice view of the wall and you can follow a path along a decently preserved section of the wall. Please don’t sit or walk on the wall as it is a protected monuments and both the wall and the surrounding ground is quite fragile.

An alternative to Steel Rigg is Heddon-on-the-Wall which is another well-preserved stretch of the wall that you can see up close. This gets less visitors than Steel Rigg which is where most of the tour buses and cars stop. There is no dedicated parking here but there is street parking.

Before or after you’ve seen a stretch of the wall, I’d recommend visiting one of the ruined forts and museums along the wall. There were originally at least 14 larger Roman forts built along the wall and you can still see the ruins of many of these today. We’d recommend planning a visit to either Housesteads or Vindolanda . Both have fort ruins and a museum with archaeological finds and information to help you learn more about the sites.

If you want to do a long walk in the area, we’d recommend this 8 mile circular walk around a section of the wall which includes Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap, Housesteads, and a lake. It takes about 3 hours at a normal pace and starts and ends at the Housesteads Visitor Center. This would make for a great day out for those who want to combine hiking with sightseeing.

A day trip to Hadrian’s Wall could be combined with a short stop at Rosslyn Chapel or to a town in the Scottish Borders such as Melrose or Jedburgh. You might also want to stop at Carter Bar which is the border of Scotland and England for short photo stop. You can read more about our own day trip to Hadrian’s Wall from Edinburgh  for more ideas.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The easiest ways to reach Hadrian’s Wall are by car, booking a day tour, or booking a private transfer . Public transportation is very limited in this area.

Hadrian’s Wall is about a 100 mile (160 km) drive south of Edinburgh. It takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the mentioned sites along Hadrian’s Wall by car. The sites are then spread out alongside the wall, but we’d recommend trying to stick to those within 30 to 60 minutes drive of each other.

There is very limited public transportation in this area which is primarily rural and many of the recommended sites are outside of towns. If you want to visit without a car, we’d recommend booking a day tour from Edinburgh.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

There are several day tours from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall, many of which make a stop or two in the Scottish Borders. This day tour (which we’ve done) stops in a Scottish Borders town, Carter Bar, Steel Rigg, and (usually) Vindolanda. If you’d like to combine a trip to Rosslyn Chapel and Hadrian’s Wall, you might consider this tour  although it spends less time at Hadrian’s Wall.

Harry Potter Filming Sites

While much of the Harry Potter books were written in Edinburgh by J.K. Rowling , Edinburgh was never used as a filming location for any of the films. Although you can find several related sites to Harry Potter in Edinburgh .

Hogwarts is of course set in Scotland and there are a number of Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland . You can put together your own list if you already know where you want to go. Just know that there is not too much to see at some of them.

We’ve listed some below for you to consider, but just note most are 3 hours or more drive time from Edinburgh if you head north so this makes for a very long day trip. The closest in terms of driving time is Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England which is a 2-hour drive away.

• Glenfinnan Viaduct – The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line just outside the town of Glenfinnan. It opened for operation in 1901. In Harry Potter, it is the viaduct or bridge that the Hogwarts Express is seen going over in the films.
• The Jacobite Train – This is the steam train run by West Coast Railway used for shots of the Hogwarts Express. The train mainly runs between Fort William and Mallaig. For the full Harry Potter like experience we recommend booking the “First Class Compartment Carriage HP Style” seats. The train operates seasonally, normally April to October.
• Rannoch Moor – Rannoch Moor is a boggy moorland area near Loch Rannoch. This is where the Death Eaters board the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 .
• Steall Falls in Glen Nevis – Steall Falls, Scotland’s second highest waterfall, and surrounding area were used in the background for scenes where Harry fights the dragon in the Triwizard Tournament during Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . You can find hiking information here .
• Alnwick Castle – Located in northern England, the castle exterior and courtyard were used as Hogwarts to shoot several scenes in the first two films, including where the students learn to fly on their broomsticks. The castle offers Harry Potter related activities like broomstick lessons. The castle has also been used as a filming location for Downton Abbey , Transformers: The Last Knight , Elizabeth , and other films. The castle is worth a visit in its own right and there is also an amazing garden located here!
• Glen Coe – Glen Coe is a scenic glen and also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692. In Harry Potter, the area was used in a few films and it is best known as the location for Hagrid’s Hut (although the hut was a film set not a real place). You can view our Glen Coe photography guide .

It is not possible however to visit all of the mentioned filming locations in one day so you’ll need to figure out which ones you are most interested in seeing. You can fit several locations into a day if you head northwest. But Alnwick Castle, for instance, is in the opposite direction (in England) than all the rest.

If you are looking for just one Harry Potter thing to do, I’d probably choose The Jacobite train ride (a fun experience and nice scenery), a visit to Alnwick Castle (iconic castle with broomstick lessons), or a visit to Glen Coe (dramatic landscape and good area for a walk/hike).

For more ideas, see our Harry Potter Scotland guide for a full list of filming locations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

It is easy to reach the Harry Potter filming sites by car or day tour from Edinburgh, and some can also be visited by bus and/or train.

It takes 1.5 hours to 2 hours to reach Alnwick Castle by car, and the rest of the sites can be reached by driving 3 to 4 hours from Edinburgh.

If you plan to head north towards Fort William and Glen Coe, we’d actually recommend doing this as an overnight trip if you can and perhaps stay overnight in Fort William . Or consider a day tour so you don’t have to do the driving yourself.

Many of the filming locations can be reached by bus and/or train including Fort William (where the steam train departs), Alnwick Castle, Glenfinnan, Rannoch Moor, and Glencoe. Check Traveline for the best routes to each.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Harry Potter Filming Sites

There are day tours that include many of the Harry Potter sites, just note that most focus on Alnwick Castle since it is much closer than the others. For instance, this day tour visits Alnwick Castle, the Scottish Borders, and the Northumberland Coast.

If you are wanting to take the Jacobite Steam Train, I’d check this day trip with train ride as it includes transport to and from Edinburgh, the steam train ride, and views of some Harry Potter filming locations in the Highlands.

If Glen Coe is the top site on your list, you might consider this day tour that includes Glen Coe as well as Loch Ness.

Glen Coe & Scottish Highlands

Glen Coe , or Glencoe, is a glen of volcanic origins in the Scottish Highlands that is well-known for being scenic and atmospheric. It is an area designated as a special scenic area and nature reserve. Most of the glen is owned and conserved by the National Trust of Scotland .

It is also the site of a terrible massacre in 1692, known as the Massacre of Glencoe , where 38 people from the MacDonalds of Glencoe clan were murdered unarmed as they slept by those that had given them shelter. The government initiated massacre was led by a member of the Campbell clan and this has led to a MacDonald and Campbell feud that lasted for generations (in some cases may still exist).

However, most people come to Glen Coe not for its history, but for its scenic beauty. It is a draw for many photographers and has been used as a filming location for a number of movies including Highlander , Rob Roy , Braveheart , and the Harry Potter films. You can view our Glencoe photography guide .

It is a popular place for hiking, climbing, and mountaineering and there are a number of paths and routes within the area. Nearby Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isles.

There is a visitor center and exhibition center (fee for non-members) run by the National Trust here which is a great place to stop for information and hiking routes. The National Trust staff sometimes led guided walks or safari tours. There is also the Glencoe Folk Museum which presents local history presented within thatched cottages.

On the way to Glen Coe, you might like to stop and explore a bit of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

The easiest way to get here is by car or day tour. It is possible to get to the village and many areas of Glen Coe by public transit as well.

It is about a 120 mile (193 km) drive from Edinburgh to Glencoe, and the drive takes about 3 hours. Can take longer depending on traffic.

It is possible to travel to Glen Coe by public transit, either by bus or a combo of bus and train. See Traveline to help you plan your journey.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Glen Coe

There are day trips from Edinburgh to Glen Coe, such as this one that visits both Loch Ness and Glencoe, as well as this similar tour .

Castles were built in Scotland from the 11th century to 20th century, and range from tower houses to large fortresses to fairytale palaces. Many are open to the public and are within day tripping distance of Edinburgh.

Castles in Scotland range from almost forgotten about ruins to prime tourist attractions, and you can find them in just about any part of Scotland. I’d take a look at this castle list as it organizes castles by council area in Scotland so you can identify which ones are near where you’d like to go and are worth visiting.

If there is a particular castle you really want to visit, I’d then explore the area around it to find other castles that are open to the public. It is easy to visit 3 to 4 castles in a day trip from Edinburgh if you plan ahead.

There are dozens of castles that are within day tripping distance from Edinburgh, here are some to help get you started (all within a 2.5 hour drive):

• Cragmillar Castle – A ruined castle with parts dating back to the 14th century that was used by Mary Queen of Scots. Only a 20 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Blackness Castle – A 15th castle that is shaped like a ship located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Filming location for Outlander . 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Thirlestane Castle – A privately owned 16th century castle located in the Scottish Borders that is home to the Maitland family. Located about a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh.
• Stirling Castle – A large medieval castle that served as one of the most important fortresses in Scotland for a long period and was used as a residence by Scottish royalty. Lots of resemblance to Edinburgh Castle. About a 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Doune Castle   – Castle dating back to about 1400 that became derelict but was significantly restored in the 20th century. Filming location for  Monty Python and the Holy Grail and  Outlander . Located 1 hour to 1.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Alnwick Castle – A picturesque and mighty castle with sections dating back to the 11th century. Located in northern England, it is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. Filming location for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey . Adjacent to the beautiful Alnwick Garden . Located a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Dunnottar Castle – A dramatically situated ruined medieval fortress along the coast that has a rich history and was a significant place of defense during the Jacobite rebellions. Dunnottar Castle is about a 2 hour to 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.
• Balmoral Castle – Castle built for Queen Victoria and now the private home of Queen Elizabeth II. Beautiful grounds and gardens, but only the Castle’s Ballroom and stables are open to the public to tour. Only open to the public during certain times of the year. About a 2.5 hour drive from Edinburgh.

Note that all the castles listed charge an admission fee for visitors. If you plan to visit several castles while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites.

There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites. These passes include entry into lots of castles including Edinburgh Castle, Blackness Castle, Craigmillar Castle, Stirling Castle, and Doune Castle.

You can also join the National Trust for Scotland for free entry into their properties.

Most castles in Scotland have seasonal hours and some close throughout the winter months. So be sure to check head before planning a visit to be sure they’ll be open during your visit.

We’ve visited loads of castles in Scotland, so if you are looking for a castle in a particular area to fit into a day trip or a castle of a particular type, feel free to ask us in the Comments section and we can give you our recommendations.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles in Scotland can be reached by car or day tour, and many can also be reached by bus or train.

The mentioned castles are all within a 20-minute to 2.5 hour drive of Edinburgh.

Most of the mentioned castles can be reached by public transportation. Use Traveline to help you plan your route to specific castles. Just note that it may be hard to visit more than one or two castles on a day trip using public transit.

Day Tours from Edinburgh to Castles

Castles are a part of a lot of day tours from Edinburgh. This castle-focused day trip visits several castle as well as Highland lochs and scenery. You can also find day tours that include a particular castle along with other attractions including this one to Stirling Castle and this one to Alnwick Castle .

A Few Tips for Planning Day Trips from Edinburgh

Here are a few tips for planning a day trip from Edinburgh whether you plan to drive, take public transportation, or book a guided day tour.

• It rains a lot in Scotland and can be windy so be sure to take along raingear, warm layers, and practical shoes! Check the weather forecast before setting out. Don’t let bad weather stop you from exploring, just be prepared!
• When planning day trips from Edinburgh, we recommend sticking to places within a 2.5 hour drive or less from the city. Any further and you’ll spend half of your day simply driving and not getting to see as much. Also be sure to take daylight hours into account as you have more limited hours in winter.
• If you are thinking of going to places that are further away, such as the Isle of Skye or northern Scottish Highlands, we strongly recommend an overnight or multi-day trip. If you don’t want to make arrangements, many local tour companies such as Rabbies offer overnight tours from Edinburgh to more far-flung places in both Scotland and England.
• If driving, try to avoid rush hour if leaving or returning to Edinburgh on a weekday. Morning rush hour is normally from about 7:30am to 9:30am (7:30 to 9:30) and afternoon rush hour is normally from 4:00pm to 6:00pm (16:00 to 18:00). You can check road conditions and traffic online at Traffic Scotland .
• New to driving in the UK? Check out our tips for driving in the UK and navigating single track roads .
• We recommend the Traveline website for helping to plan journeys in the UK via public transportation. The site is especially helpful if you are having trouble figuring out which bus to take or how to do a multi-leg journey.
• If planning to do day trips by public bus or coach, know that there are several bus stations in Edinburgh but the buses of most of the bus companies start and end their journeys at the Edinburgh Bus Station  (also known as St. Andrews Bus Station) on Elder Street.
• For bus tickets, you can often purchase them online through sites like National Express or the local service website. But others you will need to purchase in person at the bus station or directly from the driver (cash usually needed).
• We currently have two train stations in central Edinburgh, the main one where most trains arrive and depart is Waverley Station . But there is also the Haymarket Station  which handles a lot of commuter train traffic. Just be sure you know which station you need.
• If you plan to do a lot of travel by bus or train from Edinburgh, we recommend booking your accommodation within walking distance of the train or bus station to make your travels easier.
• If traveling by public bus or train and you want to visit more than one place in the same day, be sure to check the routes and schedules in advance to make the most of your day. Public transit is not that frequent in some areas.
• If you plan to use a taxi or private transfer to get from one place to another, we often use minicabit to compare cab fees. We do have Uber in Scotland (launched in 2015 after we moved here) but it is currently limited to pick-ups in and around Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen only.
• If looking for day tour operators in Edinburgh, we can recommend Edinburgh-based Rabbies . You can also see a wider selection of tours from Edinburgh on GetYourGuide and Viator .
• If doing a day tour, tipping or leaving a small gratuity to your guide and/or driver is appreciated and common, although not necessary, if you enjoyed their services.
• If you plan to visit a number of historical and cultural sites while in Scotland, you might check out the Scottish Heritage Pass (valid for travel between April to October) which gives you free entry to over 120 National Trust and Historic Scotland sites. There is also the  Historic Scotland Explorer Pass  which includes entry into over 70 Historic Scotland sites including Edinburgh Castle, Urquhart Castle, Stirling Castle, Melrose Abbey, and St Andrews Castle.
• Be sure you allow enough time to see all the things you want to do in Edinburgh! We sometimes hear from visitors who did so many day trips, they didn’t get to see much of the city itself. Edinburgh is a cultural hub of Scotland and there is a lot to do here. If you’ve tired out all the top things to do in Edinburgh , you can also check out our list of less known things to do in Edinburgh !
• If you are looking for more Scotland day trip ideas, also check out our guides to day trips from Glasgow  and day trips from Inverness .

So that is our guide to the best day trips from Edinburgh! Hopefully it has helped you plan your own Edinburgh day trip.

Planning to do a day trip from Edinburgh but not ready to plan it out yet? PIN this article to Pinterest to read later:

Have you done any day trips from Edinburgh? If so, feel free to tell us about your day trip experience and how you planned it.

If you have a question about planning a day trip from Edinburgh or anything else about visiting Edinburgh, just leave us your question in the Comments section below!

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Steve Post author

May 12, 2023 at 10:51 am

hello there and thank you for this great resource! We’ll have 3 full days in Scotland, based out of Edinburgh. To get as much of the Scottish experience possible, do you think 1 day touring Edinburgh and 2 days doing day trips with a car would be best, or 2 days to tour Edinburgh and only 1 day to devote to a day trip? Thanks

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

May 16, 2023 at 9:09 am

I don’t think there is any correct answer to this. You could easily find enough in and around Edinburgh to fill three days as you can probably see in some of our other posts on things to do in Edinburgh. But with three days only in Scotland, I’d definitely recommend at least one day on a day trip or tour of some kind, especially if you don’t think you’ll be returning to Scotland.

In terms of which days trips and one or two days really depends on what you are most interested in doing/seeing. What are your main interests after looking over the options? If you think you’ll never return to Scotland, then you might want to do a day trip that goes up to the Scottish Highlands as I would say that is what most people think of in terms of Scottish landscapes (lochs, hills, moors). Many people also want to visit a Scottish distillery (best on a tour so driver can drink) or another castle or two (in addition to Edinburgh Castle).

Hope that helps, and happy to answer more questions as you have them!

Best, Jessica

Rita Shemchuk Post author

April 9, 2023 at 11:59 am

Hello Jessica and Laurence. We are planning a trip to Scotland in the spring 2024. I am enjoying reading your Edinburgh day trip suggestions with travel tips and places not to miss. I stumbled onto your blog doing research for our trip.

We are flying into Edinburgh and staying there 3 days then onto Glasgow 1 day. And then onto to rest of the country. Up north to Inverness and continuing down to Stirling before returning to Edinburgh for departure.

We are planning to get a rental car. Is it worth having the car in Edinburgh? Different travel people are suggesting getting the car in Glasgow as opposed to Edinburgh.

My question to you is this. Should we rent a car at the Edinburgh airport as that’s where we’re going to end up OR after visiting Edinburgh take the train to Glasgow and get the car there for the rest of our journey.

Thanks, Rita Shemchuk

April 10, 2023 at 12:23 pm

I would not recommend renting a car in Edinburgh unless you have a specific need for one (e.g., to get somewhere specific that you can’t get via public transit or walking). Even for some of the day trips, it is usually easier to use public transit or join a day tour.

We lived outside Edinburgh for many years and normally just took the bus into the city as it can be difficult to find parking and you will need to pay to park each day (unless your accommodation offers free parking). If you stay centrally most things are easy to get to on foot or a short bus or taxi ride. So it is can be more expensive and more stressful to have a car.

You can get a bus or train to Glasgow easily and then once you are in Glasgow you can rent a car there. Depending on where you are staying in Glasgow and what you plan to do, you may or may not want a car there. But it is easy to rent a car in Glasgow either on arrival or as you are leaving to head to more rural destinations.

Hope that helps, and just let us know if you have more questions as you plan your visit to Scotland!

Scott Post author

April 3, 2023 at 11:10 pm

Love your website, it’s been instrumental in helping me plan my trip to Scotland!

I’ve got about 2.5 days in Edinburgh planned with enough time for 2 day trips. I’ve decided to use Rabbies as you recommended. So far I’ve decided on the West Highlands and Castles tour. I’m torn on the last one though and would love some help.

I’m torn between seeing Hadrians Wall, or doing the Alwick Castle + Northumberland Coast and Borders, and also the St. Andrews/Fife fishing villages. The first two are interesting to me to see Northumberland since I’m seeing the West Highlands with the first trip. St. Andrews and the fishing villages are also high on your list so I’m heavily considering that. Thoughts?

April 4, 2023 at 12:43 pm

So glad to hear that our website has been helpful in planning your upcoming trip to Scotland.

Yes, there are so many good day trip possibilities from Edinburgh. I think it is hard to recommend one tour over the other as they are all fairly different. We’ve done all three and I think you’d probably enjoy any of them. I would read through all the descriptions and see what appeals most. What are you most interested in seeing/doing?

Pat Freedman Post author

February 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm

Thanks for this very useful blog. I have been feeling overwhelmed in planning a Scotland trip for me and my husband in September 2023, but your information has helped me get a handle on which day tour to take from Edinburgh–I think we will take the Rabbie’s tour to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and kelpies. Do you think 4 nights will allow enough time to see the main city sights (half-day on arrival, plus 2 full days) and do the day tour (on the third full day)? We plan to rent a car after the last night in order to see more of Scotland, and we will return to Edinburgh for 1 or 2 nights at the end of the trip, so we can do a bit more city sightseeing then.

February 24, 2023 at 2:55 am

So glad that you are finding our travel blog useful in planning your visit to Edinburgh and the rest of Scotland!

Yes, I think that sounds like a very reasonable plan. It of course depends on how much you want to see in Edinburgh, but most people find 2 full days are enough to see most of their must-see places and have some time to walk around and explore. So I think 2.5 days plus some potential time at the end of your trip is a good amount. I would make a list of the places you really want to visit and then allocate how much time you think you’ll need to each and that should help you decide for sure if you are feeling a bit unsure.

I think a day tour to Stirling Castle is a good idea for Day 3 as it will give you a bit of a break from the city and someone else will be doing the driving. Rabbie’s drivers/guides are generally very friendly and good to ask for recommendations for things to do/see.

Since you are planning to visit Stirling Castle and probably also Edinburgh Castle, you may want to check out the Historic Scotland Explorer Pass as it allows to you visit dozens of properties in Scotland and includees those two castles. For example if planning to go up to Loch Ness/Inverness, it includes Urquhart Castle and Fort George. Normally it is worth it if visiting at least 3 included places on your trip. Many of Scotland’s castles and abbeys are included. Some you’ll want to book your timed entry in advance. You can read more about it here .

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have any further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland!

Jack Couture Post author

March 29, 2022 at 6:27 am

What a great resource you have put together with so many options! We are have put together a 5 week tour of Europe meandering from a start in Scotland to island hopping in Greece – with many places in between. We will arrive EDI from BOS 4/26 16:00, picking up a car and AirBnB near Edinburgh castle. Taking an evening walking tour of City. Thinking of driving up to St. Andrews area 4/27 after a morning in City. 4/28 we are driving to Connel near Oban by way of Loch Lomand and staying on a farm B&B. 4/29 we are returning to EDI by way of Glasgow for an afternoon flight. What are your thoughts on this plan? What would you recommend we do to make the most of this short stay within the itinerary we have laid out. Is the ride to Fife area the right move? Any thoughts you have on tightening up our plans would be most welcome. We are thinking the ride to the west coast should be rather interesting.

March 29, 2022 at 7:28 am

Glad you are enjoying our travel blog. Nice that you have included Scotland in your Europe tour; however, you do have very little time to spend there. You essentially have about 2.5 days which is about the time we’d recommend spending just in Edinburgh. So I would consider streamlining your itinerary a bit so you have a bit more time at the places you most want to visit.

I am not sure what time you need to return your car and check in for you flight, but I imagine you won’t have too much time on 4/29 if you have an afternoon flight (you’ll need to be there 2 hours before your flight to check-in). The drive from Oban to Edinburgh is at least 3 hours. I’d probably skip Glasgow that day unless something specific you want to see as that will make the drive longer that day and the traffic between Edinburgh and Glasgow can be heavy at times.

With limited time, I would recommend using it to spend at least 1 full day in Edinburgh (unless you’ve been before) rather than doing a day trip to St. Andrews. You’d have very little time in St. Andrews if you just had the afternoon and I’d recommend avoiding the 3 hours of driving unless it is a must-see of course for you.

I’d then use the rest of the time seeing Loch Lomond and then Oban since you are driving all the way there. I’d make sure you have time to explore Oban and the coast. There is a nice harbor to walk around, a castle/museum you can visit, nice walks (Battery Hill nice to walk up for view of town/harbor), a whisky distillery you can tour, boat tours you can take, etc.

Here’s what I’d suggest based on what you want to see/do and amount of time:

4/26 – arrive, check-in, do evening city walking tour, overnight Edinburgh 4/27 – Explore Edinburgh – lots to see/do, overnight Edinburgh 4/28 – pick up car, explore Loch Lomond area, drive to Oban/Connel, overnight Connel 4/29 – explore Oban in morning, drive back to Edinburgh, car drop off, flight out

For the rental car, if you decide that you don’t need it the first 2 days, you might wait to pick it up in the city to avoid the fees/parking for the first 2 nights (unless it is less expensive to pick it up from the airport). Then do drop off at airport on return. You don’t need a car for getting around Edinburgh – most places are within walking distance and public buses (or sightseeing bus) can get you pretty much anywhere else you’d probably want to go.

Anyway, hope those suggestions help. Just let me know if you have further question as you plan your trip to Europe!

Mark T Post author

January 3, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Hi Jessica and Laurence. What a great article!

We are thinking of visiting for 10 days in mid-March. We don’t mind that the weather may not be ideal, but more concerned that the scenery will not be as green and beautiful as we hope.26

Can you tell me what the scenery is like in mid-March?

January 4, 2020 at 3:29 am

We think Scotland is scenic year-round and I would say it doesn’t change as much as in some other parts of the world. Some wildflowers flowers will already be blooming by March. The issue is as you noted the weather, and a lot of rain and gray skies can really dampen one’s outlook (and ability to see) the scenery. You also have fewer daylight hours than later in the Spring or summer.

That said, a clear winter day with some sunlight is a wonderful time to see Scotland’s scenery and a great thing with traveling in March is that it won’t be very crowded in most places. Just note that some attractions and activities, especially those outside the cities, won’t be operating in March (April to September is the main tourism season).

Photos of Glencoe in winter and Cairngorms in winter for some ideas of scenery – you can see there is still greenery and color even at the height of winter. The snow is just because we are at higher altitudes and you’d rarely see much snow in say Edinburgh even in the middle of winter.

But I would be very prepared for rain in March and make sure to pack your rain gear, coat, and good waterproof shoes so you can enjoy being outside even when the weather is bad.

Hope that helps and just let us know if you have further questions as you plan your trip to Scotland.

Dave Murray Post author

October 18, 2019 at 11:38 am

Hello. Great information. Looking for a suggestion. What would be the best for the following. First are there wineries near whisky distilleries. My wife would prefer the wine. The best case scenario would be going somewhere where there are a lot of castles to see on the trip there and back. Even if not stopping at them or maybe one or two. Just to see them. Then the destination have a castle, wine, scotch, etc. Thanks!

October 19, 2019 at 2:18 pm

Grapes don’t really grow well in Scotland and although there are a few fruit/grain wines being produced locally, the couple of wineries that have tried have not been very successful in producing much drinkable wine (you can read that story here ). So for wine, you are better off heading to a wine bar or nice restaurant in Edinburgh 😉

There are however several whisky distilleries within an hour or so of Edinburgh you can visit. Glengoyne Distillery and Deanston Distillery are easy to combine into one day. Deanston Distillery is very close to Doune Castle, and Stirling Castle would be an easy stop on the way north to Deanston. So you could head out of Edinburgh, head north to visit Stirling Castle, then stop at Deanston Distillery, then visit Duone Castle, and then end at Glengoyne Distillery before making you way back to Edinburgh. Then perhaps a nice glass of wine when you return for your wife 😉

Hope that helps, and let me know if you have any other questions, Jessica

Rohan Post author

August 28, 2019 at 7:55 pm

Hi, what is second picture on this page (it shows a small castle atop a hill surrounded by ocean)? And how to get there (using public transportation)? Thanks,

August 29, 2019 at 4:09 am

The castle is Dunnottar Castle, located near Stonehaven. It is currently open from 9:00 to 17:30 daily, and there is an admission fee to visit.

So there is no direct public transit route from Edinburgh. You have a couple of options if you want to do public transit. You can take a bus or train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, and then catch a bus (X7 and 107) from Aberdeen which stop within a short walking distance of the castle. Or you can take a bus or train to Stonehaven and walk from the village – this is about a 40 minute walk.

Another good option that may be more time efficient, particularly if you want to see more of this region which has limited public transit in some areas, is to take the train (or bus) from Edinburgh to Aberdeen and then take this day tour with Rabbies . It includes a visit to Dunnotar Castle as well as stops at waterfalls, Royal Deeside, and scenery in Cairngorms National Park.

Hope this helps! Jessica

Lorelle Post author

August 11, 2019 at 10:15 pm

Planning a trip May 2020 with a week in Edinburgh & a week in Glasgow. I would like to do the 1 hour boat trip on the Falkirk wheel but can’t find a day tour that includes the boat trip. Any suggestions? We could hire a car. Is it worth taking the boat or is the view from the canal bank more interesting?

August 12, 2019 at 2:59 am

Hi Lorelle,

Yes, both Edinburgh and Glasgow are great cities and both are great bases for day tours around Scotland.

It is great to just learn about the Falkirk Wheel and watch it (without being on it) but it is also fun to be on it as well. So I’d recommend both if you plan to visit. But if you are short on time, you can still read the signs and watch it in action.

Falkirk Wheel is not included on any of the regular bus tours as it is a less known attraction; however, it is possible to still visit it with a tour. Here is the best priced tour I could find which is a private taxi tour and includes the Kelpies, the Falkirk Wheel, and a visit to Callendar House. You just need to take the train to Falkirk (easy ride from Edinburgh or Glasgow) and they will pick you up there and drop you off after the tour.

You can see more tour options here (most are private).

Hope that helps! Jessica

August 12, 2019 at 6:02 am

Thank you…….wonderful blog. I’m now thinking of hiring a car & visiting the Falkirk wheel on the way to Inverness & then fly to Orkney. Which leads me to another question. Am I better to hire the car in Edinburgh or Glascow? Which city is easier to drive out of? We will try to find accomodation that is very central in both cities.

August 12, 2019 at 6:40 am

If you are just renting the car to leave the city and head to Inverness (and not planning to drive around in the city itself) I think either would be about equal. We personally find it a bit easier to leave/enter Edinburgh by car than Glasgow. But I would just check prices and see where you can get the better deal. The drive to Inverness is about the same distance from both cities; the Falkirk Wheel is a bit closer to Glasgow than Edinburgh.

We don’t really recommend visitors explore either city with a car since you can get around most places by walking, public transit, or short taxi rides. So I’d just pick up the car on your way out to avoid having to find and pay for parking in the cities.

Orkney is a great, especially if you like Neolithic ruins and archaeology. Another option to get from Inverness to Orkney without driving (or flying) is this small group tour from Rabbies. We haven’t done this specific tour but we did meet and chat with the driver on our visit over the summer while on the island. The driver seemed great – the tour includes your ferry passage and it went pretty much everywhere we did on the main island.

Yes, I would definitely choose central accommodation if you can as it makes it easier to explore. We give some area recommendations and some specific hotel recommendations in both our Edinburgh and Glasgow guides that might be helpful. Let us know if you have any questions.

Natalie Post author

March 4, 2019 at 6:40 pm

Hi! I was wondering if you had any recommendations for half-day or afternoon tours from Edinburgh? I arrive in Edinburgh on a Friday morning (around 9:30am) and have the day free before my friend arrives. Since I’ve been here twice already, I was hoping to see something new outside the city but am having trouble finding afternoon tours. Any recommendations for something nearby or even something unusual to do in Edinburgh? I’ve been to Rosslyn Chapel and St. Andrews and we’ll head up to the highlands when my friend arrives. Thanks!

March 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

Hi Natalie,

No, I am afraid I do not as most leave between 8 and 9, so I think if you are arriving around 9:30 or later, you will miss most day tour departures. You can of course book a private day tour but it would be very costly for one person.

Some ideas:

-Consider taking the bus or train to visit a nearby attraction or two such as Stirling Castle, an Outlander site, or other place of interest. We list info about public transit options for each day trip idea in the article. -If you enjoy hiking, you can spend the day walking or hiking around Edinburgh at places like Arthur’s Seat or along the Water of Leith or head by bus a bit further away like the scenic Pentland Hills. -Consider a day exploring Glasgow if you haven’t been before as it’s an easy bus or train ride away, see our Glasgow guide . -In Edinburgh, we have a guide to less known things to do in Edinburgh -Consider doing a walking tour or two in Edinburgh such as this 3 Hour Food Walking Tour or this bike tour .

Will Flight Post author

February 27, 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi Thanks for a great post! We’re planning a Scotland trip using Edinburgh as a base hand this has given us loads of ideas for things to do! One thing I’d like to mention is the National Museum of Scotland is Amazing, we went last time we were in Edinburgh just after the refurb and it’s amazing! It’s a great alternative if the weather is not up to scratch (as is often the case in Scotland)

February 27, 2019 at 3:37 am

Hi Will, Yes, the National Museum of Scotland is great and has gone even more changes probably since your last visit as they seem to be continually updating the museum. It has become the most visited attraction in the country I think since the changes! Enjoy your trip and let us know if you have any questions about potential day trips from Edinburgh. Best, Jessica

Micki Post author

January 31, 2019 at 11:01 am

This is fantastic! We’re looking at staying Edinburgh for a few days this spring, and this saves me so much work trying to sort out day trips. Thank you! I’m hoping for good weather! 🙂

January 31, 2019 at 11:06 am

Hi Micki, Glad you are finding our post helpful in planning possible day trips from Edinburgh. The weather here in Scotland is unpredictable and tends to vary throughout the day (its hailed, snowed, rained, and had glorious bursts of sunshine today for example!), but just come prepared with layers, waterproof shoes, and a waterproof jacket and you should be fine with whatever the weather throws at you 😉 Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip! Best, Jessica

Esther Post author

January 27, 2019 at 12:33 am

Oh, I really can’t agree more on this list. Scotland is gorgeous, isn’t it. I think that booking an extra day when in Edinburgh is just the perfect excuse to venture out and see some more of the country.

January 27, 2019 at 4:43 am

Hi Esther, Yes, indeed 🙂 I think that if you have more than 2 days in Edinburgh, it is definitely a good idea to think about taking a day trip from Edinburgh! So many great options. Best, Jessica

Nigel Post author

January 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

Wow, an amazing list of great day trips from Edinburgh – been to many but certainly not all of these. Will keep these handy for weekend trips with the family!

January 13, 2019 at 8:37 am

Hi Nigel, Glad you enjoyed our list of day trips from the capital, and hope you find a few new places on your weekend adventures with your family! Best, Jessica

Stephen Garone Post author

January 9, 2019 at 9:48 am

Rosslyn Chapel was amazing, wasn’t it???

January 9, 2019 at 10:06 am

Hi Stephen, Sounds like you enjoyed your visit to the chapel! We actually live within walking distance of Rosslyn Chapel so have been many many times 😉 It is definitely an amazing chapel and even though it is very small, there is a lot to see with all the carvings and features. The regular talks are also definitely worth taking the time to listen to during a visit. We often stop by to see William, the resident cat. It certainly makes for a good stop on a day trip from Edinburgh or half day trip if you only have time for the chapel. Best, Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

January 9, 2019 at 5:13 am

I absolutely love birds so I think I would love the Scottish Seabird Centre. It’s funny, this post is making me think of my family. My oldest would love the Harry Potter Filming sights, my youngest would be into the castle, and my husband would probably vote to visit the distilleries. Now that I have a new son-in-law, I am including his preferences as well. He would be all over the Outlander sights. I’ve never seen the show, but I’m glad to know I don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the scene!

January 9, 2019 at 7:51 am

Hi Seana, Yes, there is something to suit everyone and lots of choices. Many of the interests can definitely be combined as many of the Outlander sites (and one of the Harry Potter sites) are castles. You definitely don’t need to be an Outlander fan to enjoy many of the sites – Laurence and I did a full day tour of Outlander sites and enjoyed it and went to places we probably would not have done otherwise. The Scottish Seabird Centre is a great day trip from Edinburgh and would highly recommend pre-booking a boat trip there if you plan to visit. Best, Jessica

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21 Best day trips from Edinburgh (+ practical info & tips)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: February 4, 2024

Are you looking for a day trip from Edinburgh? If so, then look no further. In this article, we have put together the best day trips from Edinburgh Scotland and not only show you what to do and see but also how to plan your trip.

Whether it’s visiting castles, exploring ancient ruins or learning about history and culture you can find the perfect day trip from Edinburgh for a range of interests in this article. To help plan your perfect day out we have included information about what to do at each destination plus how to get there too via public transport (bus or train from Edinburgh ), by car if you plan to drive from Edinburgh or by joining some of the best day tours from Edinburgh.

Read on for all the information about the best Edinburgh day trips.

We recommend Edinburgh Black Cab Tours for the best private driver-guided day (& multi-day) trips from Edinburgh – destinations include – Glencoe – The Isle of Skye – Glenfinnan – Old Man of Storr – Culloden – Quiraing – Fairy Pools – Fairy Glen – Kilt Rock – Talisker Distillery – Pitlochry – The Kelpies – Doune Castle – Stirling Castle – Wallace Monument – Loch Lomond – Glen Etive – Loch Ness – Urquhart Castle – Fort Augustus – Click here for more information about their multiple award-winning private tours.

⭐️ Best multi-destination tours from Edinburgh

How to get from edinburgh to glasgow, how to get from edinburgh to rosslyn chapel, how to get from edinburgh to stirling castle.

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle 

How to Get from Edinburgh to The Kelpies

How to get from edinburgh to linlithgow palace , how to get from edinburgh to loch lomond , how to get from edinburgh to inveraray castle, how to get from edinburgh to alloway, how to get from edinburgh to the cairngorms national park, how to get from edinburgh to inverness & loch ness, how to get from edinburgh to st andrews , how to get from edinburgh to dundee, how to get from edinburgh to melrose abbey , how to get from edinburgh to kelso, how to get from edinburgh to north berwick , how to get from edinburgh to st abbs head nnr, how to get from edinburgh to the scottish seabird centre (north berwick), how to get from edinburgh to alnwick castle .

• How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian's Wall

Best day trips from Edinburgh for whisky lovers

Best day trips from edinburgh for harry potter fans, best day trips from edinburgh for fans of outlander, uk travel planning podcast, enjoy your day trip from edinburgh, best day trips from edinburgh.

If you are on a tight schedule and want to combine two or more of these destinations into one day trip from Edinburgh we recommend considering a tour.

Our preferred private driver guide company for tours from Edinburgh is Edinburgh Black Cab Tours . They have an outstanding selection of award-winning half-day, full-day and multi-day tours from Edinburgh.

We have also chosen a selection of our favourite small group tours from Get Your Guide . They have excellent customer service and most tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance. You can keep track of all your tour bookings on their app too.

More information – Small group tours

• Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour – Escape the city for the day and head to the Scottish Highlands. Follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard, Harry Potter, and jump on board the Hogwarts Express on an unforgettable journey on the Jacobite Steam Train .
• Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands Tour from Edinburgh – Enjoy a full-day tour and experience some of the most dramatic scenery the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Spend time at mysterious Glencoe and have the chance to enjoy a cruise on Loch Ness and a visit to Urquhart Castle.
• Loch Lomond, Kelpies, and Stirling Castle Small-Group Tour – Discover the Scottish Highlands on a full-day small-group tour, and see forests, lochs, and stunning mountains. Explore Scotland’s history and learn about its greatest heroes with visits to Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond, and more.
• Loch Ness, Highlands & Whisky Distillery Tour – Experience the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands on a full-day coach tour to Loch Ness, Glencoe, and the Trossachs National Park. Go to a working whisky distillery for an optional tasting. Stop for lunch in Fort Augustus and more.

Glasgow 

Glasgow is located only an hour away from Edinburgh by train. It is Scotland’s largest city and is full of fascinating attractions and beautiful architecture.

Explore Glasgow’s rich history at the Glasgow Cathedral or the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art. The architectural beauty of The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Hunterian Art Gallery and the University of Glasgow are also great places to visit.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Glasgow’s most iconic building, The Art Deco-styled City Chambers. After exploring this famous city hall be sure to stop for a drink or meal at the stunningly designed Grand Cafe, located on George Square.

Glasgow City Chambers, often referred to as ‘The People’s Palace’ are also worth a visit. Not only is it a beautiful building with an interesting history but it also houses a cafe and museum. It’s also the original headquarters of Glasgow City Council and is now a category A listed building.

• By Car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow is just over an hour via the M8 motorway. 

• By Public Transportation

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 15mins.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Glasgow with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Rosslyn Chapel 

Rosslyn Chapel lies about 7 miles south of Edinburgh city centre in the village of Roslin. The chapel was built in the mid-15th century and is known for its intricate carvings that depict biblical scenes as well as plants, heraldic symbols and a series of mysterious stone carvings depicting what some believe to be the Holy Grail or the ‘Holy Chalice’ along with other ancient relics. In Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code the “Holy Grail” was hidden in the chapel’s crypt.

The chapel is open to the public and guided tours are available during the day and at night when different light shows illuminate some of the carvings, including one that depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’. 

The trip takes about 30 minutes via the A701 from central Edinburgh

To get to Rosslyn Chapel from Edinburgh, take a train to the nearby town of Penicuik and then catch the local bus that takes you directly to Roslin village and the chapel. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Alternatively, take the bus Lothian Service 37 from Edinburgh City Centre to Roslin village. The journey time is around 60 minutes.

• On a group tour

Stirling Castle 

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most famous castles and a popular day trip destination. The fortress has been home to kings and queens over the centuries with many important historical events taking place here.

Visitors can get an insight into life at the castle by visiting the Stirling Castle Exhibition, which tells the story of this historic site through the eyes of those who lived here. Former residents include Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce.

Don’t miss a visit to the National Wallace Monument which was built in 1869 to commemorate William Wallace who defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. If you have watched Braveheart starring Mel Gibson this is the character he plays.

• By Car  

The journey takes about 1 hour via the M9 motorway

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling Train Station, journeys take from 40 minutes.

Bus – National Express services also run from Edinburgh to Stirling with a bus departing every 20 minutes from 7 am – 11 pm

Doune Castle 

Doune Castle is just 9 miles outside Stirling so makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh. The castle features in the movie Game of Thrones as Winterfell Castle, in the TV series Outlander as Castle Leoch and even in Mony Python’s Holy Grail!

On a more serious note, it is worth visiting for anyone who is interested in learning more about Scotland’s political history. 

How to Get from Edinburgh to Doune Castle  

The castle is just 9 miles west of Stirling via M9 and A91. Allow around 30mins for the journey. 

• By Public Transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Stirling that stop at Doune, journey time is approx. 30mins. 

Falkirk and The Kelpies 

The Kelpies , which are 30-metre-high equine sculptures, stand on the edge of Falkirk in Scotland. Designed by artist Andy Scott to resemble the carousel horses he used to ride as a child these impressive structures are worth visiting. The construction of the Kelpies was completed in October 2013 and they were opened to the public in April 2014.

The Kelpies are located at the Helix, a land art project created by Falkirk Council to regenerate a large area of brownfield land that had once been used for heavy industry.

The Helix is now home to several structures including the newly opened Titan Crane visitor’s centre and The Falkirk Wheel, which links the Union Canal with the Forth and Clyde Canal, both of which are also worth visiting.

The Kelpies are located next to the M9 motorway (the journey takes about 40 – 60 minutes). Parking is available at The Kelpies for a fee.

Train – A direct train service between Edinburgh and Falkirk Grahamston Station runs every 30 minutes. Journey time is just over an hour, however, allow extra time for the walk from the station to The Kelpies which takes about 45 minutes. Or take a taxi or a bus (the bus stop is outside the train station)

Linlithgow Palace 

The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, Linlithgow Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in Scottish history. The palace was the official residence of the monarchs of Scotland from 1424 through to 1603 when James VI moved to London after becoming King of England and Scotland. A wonderful place to visit in historic Scotland.

Linlithgow Palace appears in scenes from the TV series Outlander .

The palace is just west of Edinburgh via the M9. Allow around 45 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Linlithgow every hour. The journey time is around 20 minutes.

The Trossachs National Park & Loch Lomond

The Trossachs offer beautiful landscapes and an array of wildlife including red deer, beavers, osprey and wild cats. Located just east of Stirling it makes a perfect day trip from Edinburgh.

Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Great Britain covering an area of about 23 miles. It’s also one of the most famous lochs so it would be a shame to not pay a visit when in Scotland! 

Enjoy cruises along the loch or explore some of the picturesque villages and castles in the surrounding area.

Loch Lomond is 75 miles north of Edinburgh via M8, A82. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Take the Scotrail service from Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Queen Street and change for the Balloch train. Once at Balloch a taxi to Loch Lomond takes around 10 minutes. Allow 2 hours for the journey from point to point.

Inveraray Castle 

With its fairy tale turreted structure, Inveraray Castle is a popular castle located overlooking Loch Fyne on the west coast of Scotland.

The beautiful castle with its turrets, towers and grand interiors is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll and the seat of the Clan Campbell. The construction of the castle was completed in 1789 though the third floor and conical roofs on each of the corner towers were added in 1877 following a fire.

It takes about 2 hours via M9, A82 and A83. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer.

Train – The nearest train station is Dalmally Railway station. Journey time from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street and onto Dalmally (one change) is approximately 4 hours.

Bus – Pick up the bus service from Glasgow City Centre with Scottish Citylink to Inveraray. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.

If you are pressed for time taking a tour which combines a number of destinations may be the best way to visit Inveraray.

Alloway 

Just south of Ayr in the lovely county of South Ayrshire, Scotland lies the delightful town of Alloway. This small town made famous by Scottish poet Robert Burns is well worth a visit.

Burns House provides a fascinating insight into the life of Robert Burns, one of Scotland’s favourite sons. The museum also hosts an interesting collection of artefacts including some that belonged to the famous poet himself. The town is filled with several other historic houses and buildings which provide great photo opportunities.

Alloway Aisle was built in 1320 and is where the poet Robert Burns is buried along with his wife Jean Armour and daughter, Isabella.

Alloway is 84 miles southwest of Edinburgh in Ayrshire. via M8 motorway. The journey by car will take around 1 hour 50 minutes via the M8 and M77.

Train – Scotrail run direct trains between Edinburgh and Ayr Train Station, journeys take approx. 1hr 10mins. 

Cairngorms National Park 

The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s largest national park and home to one of the UK’s highest mountains, Ben Macdui.

The area offers a wide range of outdoor activities from skiing, snowboarding and climbing to walking, cycling and kayaking making it an ideal getaway for those who love nature.

The Cairngorms National Park is located 130 miles north of Edinburgh via M90 and A9. Allow around 2 hours for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Aviemore in the Cairngorms. Journey time is approx. 3 hours 25 mins. 

Bus – Scottish Citylink run direct buses between Edinburgh and Aviemore and take around 3 hours.

Many tours to the Scottish Highlands include a drive through the Cairngorms on the way to Loch Ness.

Loch Ness & Inverness

The famous Loch Ness is home to one of the most mysterious and interesting attractions in Scotland; ‘Nessie’ the Loch Ness Monster! The area also includes Urquhart Castle which sits on a beautiful lochside setting. 

Enjoy a cruise across the loch and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.

The largest city and capital of the Highlands Inverness sits on the River Ness and River Beauly. The area includes two popular visitor attractions; Inverness Castle which dates back to 1847 and features stunning grounds that are open to visitors all year round, plus Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which houses a fascinating collection of historical items including the Ardross Cup.

It takes about 3 hours and 30 mins via M90 and A9 via Perth. Allow extra time for traffic especially in summer. 

• By public transportation 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Inverness. Journey time is around 3 hours 30 minutes. Hire a car or take a bus from Inverness.

A tour is the recommended option if you want to visit Loch Ness from Edinburgh due to limited public transport options. Many tours also include a drive through the Cairngorms and other Scottish highlights such as Glencoe.

St Andrews and Fife 

St Andrews is one of Scotland’s oldest towns and home to the University of St Andrews, the third oldest university in the English-speaking world. The town has a charming atmosphere with cobbled streets and historic buildings.

St Andrews is also the place where Prince William met Kate. This charming town is also known for its golf courses, as the game was invented here. If you are a fan of the game a visit to the British Golf Museum is the place to visit!

• By car  

St Andrews is 60 miles north of Edinburgh via M9, A92. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to St Andrews with one change at Leuchers. Journeys take approx. 1hr 30mins – 2hrs 

Bus – National Express run direct buses between Edinburgh and St Andrews that take approximately 1 hr 20 mins.

Dundee is Scotland’s 4th largest city and home to the Discovery Quay. The area includes an excellent aquarium, interactive science centre, art gallery and Dundee Contemporary Arts – which has regular contemporary art exhibitions including some of the world’s best street artists. 

Dundee is 50 miles from Edinburgh via M90 and A90. Allow around 1 hour 20 mins for the journey. 

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Dundee. Journeys take approx. 1hr 20mins

Melrose Abbey 

One of the most beautiful and historic abbeys in Scotland, Melrose Abbey is a must-see for history lovers. The site features an active community with regular church services and includes a museum telling stories of Scottish kings and the Battle of Flodden Field. 

The abbey is just southeast of Edinburgh via the A68. Allow around 1hr for the journey. 

Train – Direct trains run between Edinburgh and Galashiels from where you can catch a bus to the abbey. The entire journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Kelso 

The town of Kelso is located on the banks of the River Tweed, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, well known for its vibrant market town atmosphere and beautiful abbey.

There is a good selection of cafes, bistros and restaurants in the centre of town as well as some unique shops. The farmers market is held on the fourth Saturday of the month from 9.30 – 1.30.

• By car 

The journey from Edinburgh to Kelso takes about 1 hour 20 mins via A68 and A6089. Allow extra time for traffic in summer.

• By public transportation  

Train – Travel from Edinburgh Waverley to Tweedbank then onwards to Kelso by bus or taxi.

This tour to Alnwick Castle and Scottish Borders from Edinburgh also includes a visit to Kelso.

North Berwick 

The town of North Berwick lies on the east coast of Scotland about 55 miles from Edinburgh. Visitors can enjoy pristine beaches, historic buildings and a thriving fishing industry. The area is also home to some unique festivals like the World Pipe Band Championships held every year in August.

It takes about 45 minutes via the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and North Berwick. Journey time is approx 34 mins. 

St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve 

Situated in the quaint fishing village of St Abbs on the Berwickshire coastline on the Scottish borders, one can find the St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve.

The area was declared a national nature reserve for its rich marine life and extensive birdlife that includes puffins, kittiwake and gannets. The surrounding cliffs are also great for walks and birdwatching.

St Abbs is about 50 miles east of Edinburgh via A1. Allow around 1 hour 30 mins for the journey.

Train – Scotrail runs direct trains between Edinburgh and Berwick-upon-Tweed which take around 45 minutes. From Berwick take the 235 bus to St Abbs (journey time 35 mins)

Scottish Seabird Centre 

If you have an interest in wildlife and bids this Edinburgh day trip will be of interest.

This award-winning attraction features live footage of seabirds from the Scottish islands on a big screen. Visitors can also learn about conservation and follow trails to identify birds in their natural habitat. 

The drive takes around 45 minutes on the A1 from Edinburgh to North Berwick.

Alnwick Castle 

Alnwick Castle is a popular attraction for visitors to Northumberland , especially the younger audience who have grown up with Harry Potter scenes shot in the castle! Alnwick Castle and Gardens was used as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is also an easy day trip from Edinburgh.

The castle is also home to St Mary’s Chapel which features some of England’s oldest stained glass.

The castle is located in the Northumberland town of Alnwick over the border in England. Allow around 2 hrs for the journey on the M1.

Train – Take the train from Edinburgh to Alnmouth (1 hour) then the X20 bus to Alnwick Castle (11 mins)

We highly recommend taking a tour from Edinburgh to Alnwick Castle. These tours also include other popular destinations in Northumberland such as Holy Island or Hadrian’s Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall 

The remains of Hadrian’s Wall can still be seen today running from coast to coast in northern England. The wall marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire and was built to protect against the fierce tribes in Scotland known as ‘the Picts. 

Today, visitors can retrace parts of their footsteps on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Get from Edinburgh to Hadrian’s Wall

The wall is 129 miles south of Edinburgh. Allow around 2 hours 30 minutes for the journey. Popular destinations are Housesteads Fort.

If you want to visit the Roman Wall from Edinburgh and do not want to drive we recommend taking a tour due to the difficulties of logistics with public transport.

The best themed day trips from Edinburgh

If you have a particular interest in whisky, Harry Potter or Outlander these tours are highly recommended.

There are several tours which visit the whisky distilleries for which Scotland is famous. If sampling some famous Scottish whisky at a distillery is on your bucket list these tours offer are the perfect options.

For private driver-guided whisky tours, we recommend the award winning Edinburgh Black Cab Tours which offers excellent whisky distillery tours.

AS well as the many Harry Potter sights to explore in Edinburgh itself there are a number of themed tours which visit other famous destinations associated with the films such as Alnwick Castle and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

There are lots of great Outlander-themed tours available from Edinburgh. If you are looking for the full Outlander experience it may be worth booking on a multi-day tour – read more in our detailed guide to Outlander tours.

For private driver-guided Outlander tours, we recommend Edinburgh Black Cab tours which have 4 different Outlander-themed tours to suit a variety of timescales.

As you have read Edinburgh is a beautiful city in Scotland with lots of day trips to offer. We’ve listed some of our Edinburgh day trip favourites and why they should be on your must-do list if you are visiting the country for the first time! 

For further practical tips, ideas and inspiration you will find these articles helpful

• Best things to do in Edinburgh (plus itinerary)
• Where to stay in Edinburgh (Location and accommodation guide)
• Scottish castle hotels
• Best Isle of Skye tours
• Best day trips from Inverness

The Best Day Trips From Edinburgh by Car

It’s possible to visit a huge number of tourist attractions in any direction from Edinburgh when you have a car. Glasgow is just an hour away on the M8, Stirling is an hour on the M9, and Perth is an hour on the M90 – all wonderful cities with heaps of things to see and do.

In this article, you’ll discover some of the best attractions to visit on day trips from Edinburgh, including the Kelpies, Doune Castle, and Loch Lomond, all of which are easily driveable by car.

The Kelpies & Helix Park

Address: The Helix, Falkirk, FK2 7ZT

While most visitors driving towards Stirling might only point a surprised finger at the two enormous horse heads they briefly see as they zoom past Falkirk, I recommend taking a short detour to investigate what these enormous metal artworks are all about.

The sculptures were installed to celebrate the story of the heavy horses that towed barges up and down Scotland’s canals in the 19th century, back in the days when canals provided the main transport route for the coal barges that powered the nation’s industry.

Ever wary of the dangers of the water, many canal workers paid their respects to the kelpies (mythical Scottish water spirits), and so a mix of Clydesdale horse and kelpie seemed like the most appropriate symbol to commemorate this long-lost part of Scotland’s history.

In Scottish folklore, a kelpie can change into several different animals, but it’s the form of the powerful water horse that is most revered. Blessed with the strength and stamina of ten normal horses, a kelpie perfectly represents Scotland’s rich industrial heritage, which is why the 30-metre horse-head sculptures were installed on this part of the Forth and Clyde canal within The Helix.

The Helix is the name given to the area around Falkirk that was transformed from a brownfield site into a thriving urban parkland in 2005. Helix Park (the centre of the Helix) contains a huge performance arena where concerts are regularly held, and a giant lagoon nearby offers nearly every watersport activity you can think of.

There are also around 17 miles of cycle paths in The Helix, so if you intend to get there by car it might be an idea to put your bikes on a cycle rack first. It’s worth taking the short drive from Edinburgh to get there, and best of all it’s completely free to visit.

Doune Castle

Address: Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA

There surely can’t be a historical site in Scotland that has had such a surge in visitor numbers as Doune Castle in Perthshire.

Author Diana Gabaldon can be thanked for the explosion of interest in this historic attraction due to the televised bodice-ripping tales of time travel in the show Outlander. The story centres around Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who gets transported back in time to 1743 and becomes embroiled in the ill-fated Jacobite uprising alongside the Highland warrior James Fraser, and it’s at Doune Castle where much of the filming for the first season took place.

But there’s more to the castle than TV shows. Built in the 13th century, it was at one time the official residence of the Duke of Albany and was a showcase for his wealth and power. That’s something that can be seen as you make your way through the maze of rooms and corridors during a visit, with enormous spaces like the Great Hall giving you some idea of the importance that was given to entertaining guests back in those days.

Stepping outside into the huge walled courtyard not only makes you realize how well-fortified Doune Castle is but also how dangerous those medieval times must have been to have needed such massive walls in the first place. It certainly makes you thankful to be a modern-day visitor to Scotland where the most dangerous thing you’ll encounter is a swarm of midges on the west coast.

A morning or afternoon spent in Doune will leave you with enough time to venture into the nearby city of Stirling to explore Stirling Castle , a royal residence that was at one time even more important than Edinburgh Castle .

Loch Lomond and Luss Village

Address: Balloch, Scotland, G83 8LQ

If you’re looking for respite from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh, a short drive to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will give you all the scenery and fresh country air you’re looking for. This part of Scotland has been popular with tourists and locals alike for many years thanks to its wild glens, mighty Munro’s (a mountain over 3,000 feet high), and gentle lochs.

Loch Lomond is the largest inland stretch of water in Britain, running north from the peaceful town of Balloch for over 24 miles into the Scottish Highlands .

Home to over 30 small islands, Loch Lomond has a huge array of activities for visitors to take part in, whether it’s taking a tour boat to its islands, canoeing across its waters, or simply cycling around its shore-side tracks. If you can brave the cold, you might even be tempted to take part in the Great Scottish Swim which is held in Loch Lomond each year in August, an event where hardy souls splash their way across the loch’s chilly waters in aid of charity.

While you’re visiting Loch Lomond, it’s well worth taking a slight detour to head slightly north of Balloch to the pretty village of Luss . This conservation village has been occupied since mediaeval times, although the quaint flower-covered cottages that line its streets today weren’t built until much later in the 18th and 19th centuries.

You can get a sense of how life might have been when the occupants of these homes worked at the nearby slate quarries by taking a stroll around the village. Afterwards, if you want to see where those yesteryear miners worked, you can follow the slate quarry path, which will lead you through the old mills and stone works.

Address: Callander, FK17 8BD

The busy town of Callander is one of the few places in this itinerary where you’ll probably be rubbing shoulders with lots of fellow tourists, whatever the weather and no matter the time of year. But its popularity is justified thanks to its scenery, and as it’s such a short drive from Edinburgh, it simply has to be included in this list.

A natural starting point for walkers heading out into the Trossachs National Park, Callander has developed into a tourist-friendly town with enough walking and cycling routes to keep the average family entertained for days on end, let alone anyone heading there just for a day trip.

Popular natural attractions like Bracklin Falls and Ben Ledi are easily reached from the town centre and hikers are rewarded with gorgeous scenery thanks to the woodland, glens and rivers that can be found throughout the area.

Bracklin Falls, in particular, is well worth making the journey for, as the roaring waterfalls that thunder through the Keltie Burn are idyllic at any time of the year. Just make sure you’re wearing a decent pair of boots (Amazon link to my recommended brand) and have a raincoat in your backpack, as there’s a lot of water spray.

This town offers yet another reason to get that cycle rack out of the garage and loaded onto the car because the route along the old railway line that once connected Oban to Loch Lubnaig is stunning. Following the River Leny, the track passes the Falls of Leny (an impressive waterfall near the village of Kilmahog), Ben Ledi (the highest mountain in the Trossachs), and the very peaceful Loch Lubnaig.

Address: Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland, PH49 4HX

Glencoe doesn’t need an introduction as it’s one of the most-visited locations in Scotland. That doesn’t mean, though, that you have to get stuck amongst swarms of excitable tourists because the area is so vast that it’s easy to escape the crowds of tour coaches.

While the journey to Glencoe from Edinburgh makes for quite a long day, it’s a journey that’s well worth taking. Glencoe is one of Scotland’s top tourist destinations thanks to its combination of lochs, mountains, and lightly wooded glens.

There’s certainly enough jaw-dropping scenery at Glencoe to keep any selfie-loving tourist busy, but perhaps the best viewpoint is from the top of one of the Three Sisters, the three peaks that collectively make up the Bidean nam Bian mountain range.

Several routes will take you to the tops of the peaks, but one of the most interesting paths begins at the visitor car park at Loch Achtriochtan. From there, you can follow a two-and-a-half-mile track up into the mountainside as it passes waterfalls, rock faces, and hidden plateaus. Although it requires some effort to get there, a hike up Bidean nam Bian is essential if you want to be astounded by one of the most breathtaking sights you’ll ever see.

Address: Culross, Dunfermline KY12 8JH

If you’ve followed this itinerary through its earlier stages, you’ll have already visited Doune Castle , the filming location for the Outlander TV series. If you’re in the mood for even more Outlander experiences, you should take the short drive across the Forth Road Bridge from Edinburgh to the cobbled streets of Culross village .

Acknowledged as the most picturesque village in Scotland, stepping into Culross (pronounced coo-ross) is like stepping back in time. The winding, narrow streets of this 17th-century seaport meander lazily through the village towards Culross Palace, an ochre-coloured building that has been the village’s focal point since its construction in 1611. While it’s not exactly a ‘palace’ as you might think of one, it’s still an impressive building.

Pine-panelled walls and painted ceilings give you a glimpse into how it would have looked in its prime and the fully restored interior (courtesy of the National Trust for Scotland) is well worth a look, as is the 17th-century garden behind the main building.

A walk through the fruit trees and herb gardens is a great way to spend an hour or two before stopping for a well-earned coffee and cake at the nearby tearooms. Just remember to save some cake crumbs for the Scots Dumpy hens that live in the palace’s gardens.

The Engine Shed, Stirling

Address: Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ

The Engine Shed near Stirling is one of those attractions that your average tourist would never visit, yet it offers quite a unique experience. Maybe using the word ‘attraction’ isn’t the best way to describe The Engine Shed. Informative entertainment, perhaps? Whatever, it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours if you’re in the Stirling area.

Operated in conjunction with Historic Environment Scotland (the trust that preserves Scotland’s heritage), The Engine Shed features a diverse collection of exhibits that explain the stories behind the buildings that are as much a part of the country’s history as its people are.

Using interactive media, including 3D theatre, electronic displays, hands-on activities, and augmented reality, visitors can learn about the history of Scotland’s iconic buildings and the people who built them, used them, and lived in them.

Children will enjoy getting hands-on with activities like Lego construction and 3D printing, and adults can enjoy demonstrations of traditional building techniques and metalwork that are held inside the education centre.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will it cost to fuel a hire car in scotland.

The cost of fuel (as of 2023 according to the RAC website ) is around £1.50 per litre of petrol and around £1.70 per litre of diesel. That means filling up a family hatchback like a VW Golf will cost you anywhere from £60 to £75, which will give you around 500 miles of driving.

How long do car journeys take from Edinburgh?

Examples from Edinburgh: Aberdeen – 3 hours, Aviemore – 2 hours 40 minutes, Fort William – 3 hours 10 minutes, Inverness – 3 hours 10 minutes, Perth 1 hour, Pitlochry – 1 hour 40 minutes, Stirling – 1 hour.

Where are the nearest towns and cities to drive from Edinburgh?

St. Andrews . Distance from Edinburgh: 51 miles. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to drive. Dundee . Distance from Edinburgh: 64 miles. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to drive. Falkirk . Distance from Edinburgh: 26 miles. It takes about an hour to drive. Glasgow . Distance from Edinburgh: 48 miles. It takes approximately 1 1/4 hours to drive. Stirling . Distance from Edinburgh: 37 miles. It takes about an hour to drive. Dunfermline . Distance from Edinburgh: 18 miles. It takes about 3/4 hour to drive.

What are the best passes to buy for train journeys from Edinburgh?

Spirit of Scotland Rover – Unlimited rail travel throughout Scotland for either four or eight days. Scottish Grand Tour – Four days of unlimited rail travel for tourists. Central Scotland Rover -Take unlimited rail journeys between Glasgow, Edinburgh, and the surrounding area.

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Craig Neil is the author, photographer, admin, and pretty much everything else behind Out About Scotland. He lives near Edinburgh and spends his free time exploring Scotland and writing about his experiences. Follow him on Pinterest , Facebook , and YouTube .

Top 10 most amazing day trips from Edinburgh

There's no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh, from visiting the Royal Mile and the historic Castle to checking out all the quirky shops and cafes in Grassmarket. But if you do fancy a day trip from Edinburgh, it's an easy drive from Scotland's capital to several fascinating spots and attractions. Here are our top ten places to visit near Edinburgh, all of which are less than three hours away by car.

1. St Andrews

Distance from Edinburgh: 51 miles (1.5 hours)

The seaside town of St Andrews just north of Edinburgh is known for its historic university, where Prince William and Kate Middleton famously met and fell in love.

But it's got a whole lot more going for it apart other than royal romance - from a sandy beach and the oldest golf course in the world to cathedral ruins that date back to the 12th century.

What to do in St Andrews

Swing a ball at the oldest golf course in the world

Old Course, the sprawling green space overlooking the North Sea, is generally regarded as the oldest golf course on Earth, with the first recorded game here in the early 15th century.

If you've got a handicap certificate and are happy to cough up £180, you can play a round here yourself; in our view, it's most certainly worth it for the experience - and the bragging rights!

Walk along the beach

You may not think of Scotland as a beach destination, but West Sands Beach - which is only about a 15-minute walk from the town centre - is one of the best parts about a trip to St Andrews, no matter the time of year.

This two-mile-long stretch of soft sand is famously where the opening scenes of Chariots of Fire were filmed, and it's a popular spot for joggers, dog-walkers and families alike.

If you're feeling daring, you can dip your toes in the water - it only gets up to about 14 degrees Celsius in the height of summer! For longer swims, best come prepared with a wetsuit.

Tour the university

Founded in 1413, the University of St Andrews is the third oldest English-speaking university in the world, as well as being one of the most prestigious.

Visitors are free to walk around the grounds and admire the buildings that are so very steeped in history and tradition.

For an extra special sight, head to the quadrangle of St Mary's College on South Street. Here you'll find a thorn tree that was allegedly planted by Mary Queen of Scots herself back in 1565.

Visit the cathedral

At 119 metres long, St Andrews Cathedral was once the largest church to be built in Scotland. All that remains today, however, are the enormous ruins of its priory walls and towers, which loom over the town as a physical reminder of its rich history.

Tickets cost £6 for adults and £4.80 for children between 5 and 15. If you have a Young Scot card , tickets are just £1.

Where to eat

Tailend Restaurant and Fish Bar

Seeing as you're by the seaside, it's only right to indulge in some classic fish 'n' chips. Tailend is a cut above your average chippy, with an atmospheric and stylish seating area in the back. Plus, you can choose to have your fish grill, battered or breaded.

If you'd rather eat al fresco, ask for yours to take away and bring it to the beach.

Northpoint Cafe

This intimate cafe is supposedly where Wills and Kate first met - and it seems pretty much everyone has caught on. If you're visiting St Andrews on a weekend, expect it to be crowded, but it's well worth the wait.

The atmosphere is cosy, and the food is cheap and cheerful. Think creamy hot chocolates, fluffy pancakes, toasted bagels and an all day breakfast deal.

Jannettas Gelateria

In case your sweet tooth hasn't quite been satisfied, you can walk 2 minutes down the road to Jannettas Gelateria for a scoop (or two) of ice cream. There's a huge selection of flavours - over 100 to be exact - so even the pickiest of eaters will leave feeling satisfied.

Parking in St Andrews

There are some free on-street parking spaces in St Andrews, but these tend to fill up quickly. You'll have an easier time finding metered spots, so make sure you bring coins for the machines.

You can also find free parking in the car park near the Petheram Bridge roundabout, and in those along the East and West Sands beaches.

2. Inchcolm Island

Distance from Edinburgh: 19 miles (1 hour)

Sitting in the middle of the Firth of Forth estuary a quarter-mile from the shore is a tiny green island topped with a 12th-century Augustinian abbey.

This is Inchcolm Island, a relic of Scottish history that's perfect for exploring on a day out with kids or friends.

Not only do you get a unique perspective of the iconic three bridges that cross the River Forth, but you'll also have the chance to spot amazing wildlife like seals and puffins.

Take a boat to the island

There are two ferry services and one charter yacht company that provide trips to and from Inchcolm Island.

Both Forth Tours and Maid of the Forth offer three-hour excursions to the island, which include 1.5 hours ashore. You can also opt for the 45-minute guided tour option from Maid of the Forth.

Recorded commentary on the boat will give you an insight into the island's history and what you can see from the deck.

Adult ticket - £15 boat plus £6 landing pass

Child ticket (aged 5 to 15) - £8 plus £3.60 landing pass

Explore Inchcolm Abbey

Founded by King David I in the 12th century, Inchcolm Abbey is one of the best preserved group of monastic buildings in the country.

During both World Wars it was fortified to defend Edinburgh and was home to 500 soldiers, whose mission it was to protect the Royal Navy's base at Rosyth. Today, it's completely uninhabited, except for its resident seals and birds.

Note that Inchcolm Island is closed in the winter season, from beginning of October to the end of March. Parts of the island may also have reduced access during nesting season (March to July).

On board the ship

There are no restaurants on the island itself, but hot and cold drinks as well as light snacks are served aboard the ferry.

If you have kids in tow or tend to get peckish, we'd recommend bringing along some picnic food. There are a few benches scattered all over the Abbey grounds which are perfect for enjoying lunch with a view.

The Wee Restaurant

On your way back to Edinburgh, before you get onto the Firth of Forth bridge, pull off into the town of North Queensferry and head to the Wee Restaurant on Main Street.

This hidden gem has earned a reputation for being the best eatery for miles around, with excellent service to boot. The mussels, Iberico pork and roasted venison in particular have garnered rave reviews from former visitors.

As the name suggests, Wee is small - make a booking in advance to avoid disappointment. And note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Parking near Inchcolm Island

There's plenty of free parking in the harbour where the ferry departs. If you head out on your day trip in summer, we'd advise arriving early to nab a spot.

Distance from Edinburgh: 64 miles (1.5 hours)

With its creative spirit and growing urban development, the coastal city of Dundee is the very definition of an up-and-comer.

Often overlooked in favour of better known Scottish locales like Edinburgh and Glasgow, we can safely say that now is Dundee's moment to shine. Why else would Lonely Planet have included it as one of the best places in Europe to visit in 2018?

Whether you're after history, culture or innovative cuisine, Dundee has got it all. Plus, the city apparently gets more hours of sun than anywhere else in Scotland. The perfect place for a day trip from cloudy Edinburgh!

Visit the new V&A museum

The sparkling new V&A Dundee design museum opened in September 2018, promising to put Dundee on the map as a centre for culture and art. As the first Victoria & Albert project outside of London, this museum has a lot to live up to - and so far, so good.

The building itself is rather breathtaking: an ultra-modern concrete structure jutting out over the water, making for a striking old-meets-new contrast with the neighbouring RSS Discovery ship.

There are only a handful of exhibitions on at present (including a surprisingly fascinating one on ocean liners), but it's still worth having a look around the stunning interior and grabbing a coffee at the cafe.

Climb aboard RRS Discovery at Discovery Point

Right next to the V&A Dundee is the legendary RSS Discovery, the wooden three-masted ship that took Scott and Shackleton to Antarctica more than 100 years ago.

Entry: £11.25

Head to the McManus: museum and art gallery

Dating back to 1867, this distinctive Gothic Revival-style building in the centre of town houses a popular museum and an incredible art collection.

If it's a rainy day or you just feel like getting your culture kick, we highly recommend paying a visit here. Plus, entry is free!

Palais Tea room

This delightful little retro cafe serves up heart-warming dishes like homemade soup and traditional Scottish fruitcake in a cosy setting.

Hot drinks are served in vintage china cups, and the walls are decorated in a twee 50s/60s style. It's the perfect place for a pleasant afternoon tea.

This low-key tapas bar lets you enjoy your food while surrounded by works of art. The food is delicious and light, and the restaurant is a small slice of Spain right in the middle of Dundee.

172 At The Caird

This upscale pub/restaurant serves up light lunches and tasty cocktails in a calm and relaxing setting.

In the summertime, you can sit out on the terrace with beautiful views over the Tay. In the winter, a sparkling Christmas tree and comfortable sofas create a cosy escape from the cold.

Parking in Dundee

There are more than 500 on-street parking spaces in Dundee and around 5,000 spots in car parks around the Inner Ring Road. Most city parking starts at about £2.30 an hour.

Greenmarket Multi-Storey Car Park (DD1 4QB), which is a ten-minute walk from the V&A Dundee, charges £7.30 for 6 hours (Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm), which might be your best bet for a full day trip.

If in doubt, head to YourParkingSpace , where you can search for a spot in Dundee and book it online instantly.

Distance from Edinburgh: 10 miles (30 minutes)

This historic village is a 30-minute drive from central Edinburgh along the A701.

According to legend, the town was founded all the way back in 203 AD by Asterius. In the 14th century, part of the First War of Scottish Independence took place in Roslin. And 100 years later, the splendid Rosslyn Chapel was built.

Roslin has played host to a number of famous figures over the years including William Wordsworth, who reportedly wrote a poem inside the chapel while escaping from a storm.

The poet's sister Dorothy once said of the town: "'I never passed through a more delicious dell than the glen of Rosslyn."

Visit Rosslyn Chapel

If you've ever read The Da Vinci Code, you'll be familiar with Rosslyn Chapel, the 15th-century church where the book's final scene takes place.

Generally regarded as one of the most remarkable buildings in all of Scotland, this majestic place was founded in 1446 by William Sinclair, first Earl of Caithness of the Scoto-Norman Sinclair family.

For a few decades now, theories have arisen that the chapel is associated with the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail - a fact that probably sparked Dan Brown's decision to use it in his bestselling novel.

Come here and see for yourself how many mysterious images and symbols you can spot carved into its walls.

Entry costs £9 for adults and £7 for students. Children can go for free.

Walk through Roslin Glen Country Park

Surrounding the chapel is Roslin Glen Country Park, a verdant green space with many walking paths that wind through the woods.

In the autumn, it's a fantastic place to watch the leaves change colour, and in the summertime it's a beautiful escape into nature.

If you're making a day of it, bring a picnic and sit by a babbling brook as you enjoy the sounds of bird calls and leaves crunching underfoot.

The chapel visitor centre has a lovely little cafe attached where you can buy hot drinks, light lunches and sweet treats, like delicious shortbread.

If you'd rather bring your own food, the park is a wonderful place to enjoy a picnic - just make sure you clean up after yourself!

Parking in Roslin

There's plenty of free parking available near the visitor centre, which it makes it easy to drive down from Edinburgh for a day trip.

Distance from Edinburgh: 26 miles (1 hour)

Sitting in the Forth Valley about 50 minutes northwest of Edinburgh is Falkirk, an oft overlooked Scottish town with an important history and some fascinating futuristic-looking structures.

It's compact and easy to navigate, making it the perfect day trip destination - especially if you've got a thing for modern engineering.

See the Kelpies

By far the most popular Falkirk attraction in recent times is the Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world.

These two humongous 30-metre-high horse heads made of structural steel sit alongside the River Carron within the Helix, a new parkland project just outside the town centre.

Each horse sculpture weighs a jaw-dropping 300 tonnes - the equivalent of about 75 elephants!

The Kelpies are especially spectacular at night, when the sculptures are lit up in a multitude of colours. If you can, time your day trip so that you have a chance to see the Kelpies after nightfall.

You can visit for free, or sign up to the Kelpies guided tour for £7.50 (£6.50 for students). Children go for free.

Marvel at the Falkirk Wheel

Connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal, the 35-meter-high Falkirk wheel is a true masterpiece of modern engineering.

It's the only rotating boat lift in the world, and it works by raising boats 24 metres above the water and transferring them between canals.

Get the full experience by booking a boat ride, which takes you up into the wheel itself. You can visit the cafe and gift shop afterwards for a hot drink and some funky souvenirs!

Walk in the footsteps of Outlander's Murtagh at Callendar House

This French chateau-style mansion, which dates back to the 14th century, is situated in Callendar Park, just outside Falkirk town centre.

Throughout the centuries, it has played host to many historical figures including Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and Prince Charles. More recently, it has gained popularity after having been used as a filming location for the TV series Outlander.

Visiting the house is a truly immersive experience, as the guards dress up in Georgian costume, the furniture is all original and the grounds are perfectly landscaped

If you've got children, consider visiting at Christmas time to experience the Christmas Adventure - a super popular interactive event that explores the traditions of Christmas.

Whatever the time of year, it's worth having Afternoon Tea at this magnificent place. Admission is free.

This immensely popular restaurant specialises in upscale takes on classic pub food. The menu features traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and black pudding fritters, as well as some vegetarian options.

Coffee on Wooer

By far the more laidback option, C.O.W. is a quaint and welcoming hidden gem right in the centre of Falkirk town. The service is friendly, the food is delicious and there are vegan and vegetarian choices on the menu as well.

Parking in Falkirk

At the Kelpies - There's a car park along the canal with plenty of spaces. It's just a short walk away from the sculptures. In the off-peak season parking is free, otherwise it's £2 per car with no time limit.

At the Wheel - Parking here is easy and cheap (£3 normally or free during off-peak season).

At Callendar House - You'll find plenty of free parking on the grounds.

6. North Berwick

Distance from Edinburgh: 25 miles (45 minutes)

When it comes to scenic destinations within a short distance from Edinburgh, North Berwick most certainly tops the list.

This seaside town, which is just 45 minutes northeast of the capital city, is chock-a-block with cute cafes and quirky art galleries that make for a fun and activity-filled day trip.

Walk along Seacliff beach

You may be able to see the sea from some vantage points in Edinburgh, but it's a whole different thing to actually feel the sand under your feet.

This peaceful stretch of beach just steps from town is great for romantic walks, solo excursions and family days out. It's dog-friendly, and occasionally you'll see horse riders trotting by, making for a truly idyllic sight.

Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre

Perched at the edge of the harbour in North Berwick, this nature centre is the perfect destination for wildlife lovers and parents looking for ways to entertain their kids.

Here you can control interactive live cameras, check out the local wildlife and watch 3D films about the marine world.

Admission costs £8.95 for adults and £4.95 for children between 3 and 15 years old.

Explore Tantallon Castle

Step back in time with a trip to the 14th-century Tantallon Castle, which is 5km east of North Berwick.

This semi-ruined fortress sits high on a cliff edge overlooking the Firth of Forth. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular filming location and has appeared in numerous productions including Under the Skin, starring Scarlett Johansson.

Be sure to wear warm clothes, as it gets pretty windy up there.

The Lobster Shack

This unassuming seafood shack is in a prime position right at the end of the harbour.

It's a busy and popular place for lunch - and for good reason. There's nothing better than snacking on freshly caught lobster while looking out at the sea.

The lobster isn't exactly cheap, but it's worth it for the whole experience.

Steampunk Coffee

This converted warehouse is a trendy choice for students and coffee lovers. The mismatching chairs and rustic furniture make for a striking contrast against the industrial-style building and big windows, which let in lots of natural light.

Here they proudly serve up delicious single origin coffee and mouth-watering authentic Swedish cinnamon buns, as well as toasted sandwiches, homemade soups and fresh salads.

Parking in North Berwick

In the summertime when there are more visitors, it can be tricky to find parking in North Berwick. Head to the official North Berwick Parking website for information on where to find spaces.

Distance from Edinburgh: 46 miles (1 hour and a quarter)

Glasgow, located on the River Clyde about 50 miles west of Edinburgh, is the largest city in Scotland and one of the most vibrant.

If you're a fan of amazing architecture, you're in luck. Glasgow is full of extravagant buildings, from Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to the Clyde Arc bridge and Glasgow Cathedral.

Stroll through Pollok Country Park, walk through George Square and head up to the Gallery of Modern Art to see the Duke of Wellington standing out front.

If you're the shopping type, then Buchanan Street is for you - this is Glasgow's shopping strip.

Take in some culture at Kelvingrove Art Gallery

The newly refurbished Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow is one of the most popular free attractions in the city.

Set in a beautiful Spanish Baroque-style palace along the River Kelvin, the museum houses 22 galleries featuring around 8,000 objects and works of art.

Look out for everything from Ancient Egyptian relics and archaeological finds to viking swords and van Gogh paintings.

Peruse the shops and cafes on Ashton lane

This cobbled back street in Glasgow's West End has become something of an icon of the city.

Similar to Edinburgh's Rose Street, it's a popular area for students and locals, who flock to its quaint bars, classic cinema and highly rated lunch spot, the Ubiquitous Chip.

Even if you don't wander into one of the establishments on the lane, it's worth coming here to snap a photo of the incredibly picturesque street, with its ever-present fairy lights twinkling overhead.

Tour the historic University & Cloisters

The historic University of Glasgow - the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world - is a beautiful collection of more than 100 Gothic revival buildings, many of which are perched on a hill overlooking the city.

Soak up the history and incredible architecture on a tour around the campus. Make sure you include the Cloisters on your visit, which are particularly stunning.

Ubiquitous Chip

This high-end eatery is a veritable symbol of the city. It was opened in 1971 and has been run by the same family ever since.

Expect modern twists on classic dishes, like pork belly with chorizo and roasted squash served on red quinoa. And make sure you save some room for dessert!

Hanoi Bike Shop

For something a little bit different, help yourself to some Vietnamese street food at Hanoi Bike Shop.

With lanterns hanging from the ceiling and bicycles mounted on the walls, it has a cool and relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a laid-back lunch on your day trip to Glasgow.

Parking in Glasgow

Finding on-street spots in Glasgow can be a bit of a challenge, but it is possible. There's also plenty of off-street parking options available.

Head to the JustPark Glasgow website for real-time information before you go on your trip.

8. Stirling

Distance from Edinburgh: 37 miles (1 hour)

Known as the "Gateway to the Highlands," the riverside market town of Stirling was once the capital of Scotland and an important centre for trade and agriculture.

Today, the main attraction for visitors is the striking Stirling Castle, which looms over the town from its position on Castle Hill.

Visit Stirling Castle

You can't possibly visit Stirling without taking a tour of the magnificent Stirling Castle. This stunning palace, which sits on a craggy volcanic rock, was once the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Despite having been victim to eight sieges over the centuries, the castle is miraculously well preserved, and a fine example of medieval architecture.

Entry costs £15 for adults and £9 for children between 5 and 15 years old. Seniors and unemployed visitors can enter for £12, and children under 5 go for free.

The Unicorn Cafe

For simple but tasty lunch fare in a historic setting, have a meal at the Unicorn Cafe, which is attached to the castle.

There's a nice variety of soups and sandwiches here, as well as freshly made cakes and scones. If the weather's nice, enjoy your lunch in the sun on the rooftop patio.

Napizza Stirling

If you'd like to venture into Stirling town, make your way to Friars Street and nab a table at Napizza Stirling, a favourite local haunt.

The pies here are cooked in a massive pizza oven and you can choose to add as many toppings as you want. BYOB makes it great value for money.

Parking in Stirling

Parking at the castle is allocated on a first come, first served basis - so arrive early if you're visiting in the summer months, as it tends to get busy.

9. Hadrian's Wall

Distance from Edinburgh: 115 miles (2.5 hours)

Two and a half hours southeast of Edinburgh is one of the most important historical landmarks in the country: Hadrian's Wall.

Built by a legion of 5,000 men in the 2nd century AD under the command of Emperor Hadrian, this 84-mile-long fortification marked the northwest frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years.

Today, you can see the wall, visit market towns along the way and marvel at what was no doubt an astounding feat of engineering in its time.

Walk from the Roman Army Museum to Housesteads Fort

Obviously you can't walk the whole wall in a single day, but you can see some of the most interesting sections of it.

We recommend seeing the most intact part of the wall, between the Roman Army Museum and Housesteads Fort, which also happens to be surrounded by the most dramatic and breathtaking landscape.

The entire walk - which is about 9 miles long - should take you about 3 hours one way. You can then either retrace your steps, or hop on the AD122 bus back to your starting point (Walltown).

Blenkinsopp Castle Inn

After your long walk, you'll no doubt be dying for a hearty meal. At Blenkinsopp Castle Inn, which is just a 5-minute drive from the Roman Army Museum, you'll find just that: a menu featuring belly-warming dishes like steak and ale pie, beer-battered cod and chips, and curry of the day.

The restaurant is ultra cosy and decked out with fairy lights in the colder months, so you'll feel right at home. They've also got vegetarian options and a lovely afternoon tea.

Bite Cafe and Gallery

For something a bit different, drive on to Brampton (15 minutes away) and park up at the New Mills Trout Fishing Park.

Here you'll find Bite Cafe - an understated eatery specialising in home-cooked dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Once you're done eating, head upstairs to check out the funky modern art gallery.

Parking at Hadrian's Wall

There's ample free parking just outside the Roman Army Museum.

10. Loch Lomond & Trossachs

Distance from Edinburgh: 68 miles (Just under 2 hours)

This destination is very much worth the drive - especially if you enjoy hiking and spectacular views (who doesn't?)

Loch Lomond itself is massive (about 72-square-kilometres) and surrounded by dozens of little towns and villages.

The best place to head to from Edinburgh is the town of Balloch, which sits at the bottom of the lake. It should take you about 1.5 hours to reach the village from Edinburgh city centre.

Walking & hiking

The principal reason for visiting this incredible national park is, of course, to get out into nature. There are numerous walking, cycling and hiking trails all around the lake ranging in terrain, length and difficulty.

You can start by following the 2.25-mile (2.5km) circular walk through Balloch Country Park, where you'll be treated to lovely views over the Loch. Or for a real challenge, drive an hour north to Ben Lomond and climb 1,000 metres to the top.

For more walking ideas in the area, head to the Walking Highlands website .

If you've got a fishing permit and you're a keen angler, try your luck at Loch Lomond, which has the largest variety of fish in the whole park - everything from salmon and sea trout to roach, chub and dace.

You can base yourself on the banks of the water, or rent a boat from Balmaha Boat Yard or Loch Lomond Boat Hire at Balloch.

Note that some species of fish, such as the powan, are protected, so if you happen to catch one you'll need to return it quickly to the water.

Hop on a water cruise to Luss

This scenic one-hour ride departs from Balloch and passes by the middle islands of Loch Lomand to the ancient village of Luss, which is home to a medieval church and a 6th-century graveyard.

Boats run from May to September, and an adult return ticket costs £19 (£16 for youths aged 12 to 15, and £10.50 for children under 13.)

Coach House Coffee Shop

Visiting this low-key cafe in the village of Luss feels like stepping into a friend's living room. Expect a roaring fire, cosy sofas and a warm welcome from friendly staff.

There's an amazing selection of drool-worthy cakes on the menu, as well as some hearty home made soups and sandwiches.

The Village Rest

After a long cold walk in Scottish weather, there's nothing better than settling down with a hot tea at The Village Rest. This understated dog-friendly eatery has a super cosy atmosphere and excellent service to boot.

Their afternoon menu consists of delicious yet simple dishes like sandwiches and wraps, mac and cheese, steak and mushroom pie and filled baked potatoes just out of the oven.

Parking near Loch Lomond

If you're spending the day in Balloch town, your best bet is to park your car at Balloch Railway station, which costs £3 for the whole day.

Alternatively, you could had to the car park at Balloch Castle County Park, which is free.

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10 day trips within an hour of Edinburgh

You can’t beat a head-clearing break from city life every now and again.

Luckily, Edinburgh is surrounded by beautiful countryside, quaint towns and interesting landmarks.

These destinations are perfect for a day trip and only take an hour (or less) to get to from Edinburgh.

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Linlithgow (a historic royal burgh in West Lothian) is just a 20 minute train journey from Edinburgh Waverley.

The main attraction here is Linlithgow Palace – a former royal residence which was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

You can explore the ruined palace and take a guided walk through the grounds, or relax with a picnic by the nearby loch.

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Most famous for its chapel (which was featured in The Da Vinci Code and has many links to the Holy Grail legend) Roslin is a picturesque village seven miles south of Edinburgh.

As well as visiting Rosslyn Chapel, make sure to stop off at Roslin Castle and Roslin Glen Country Park. You can even find William Wallace’s Cave here, named after the Scottish hero who fought in the Battle of Rosslyn in 1303.

The Borders

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Thanks to the new Borders Railway, you can now easily explore the Scottish Borders from Edinburgh, even if you don’t have a car.

Take the train to Tweedbank then hop off to visit Abbotsford, the grand country home of writer Sir Walter Scott.

The pretty River Tweed and Melrose Abbey are also close by, and there are plenty of pubs to stop for refreshments in along the way.

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Take a boat trip through the lift, find out more about the structure in the visitor centre, or hire bikes or canoes to see more of the canal.

You can even walk or cycle back to Edinburgh from Falkirk along the Union Canal – although a 50 minute car or half hour train journey is probably a lot easier.

North Berwick

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The seaside town of North Berwick is only 25 miles from Edinburgh, but you’ll feel like you’re worlds away as you take in the views, enjoy the bracing sea air and tuck in to some fresh fish and chips by the beach.

There’s plenty to do in North Berwick, including visiting the Scottish Seabird Centre, taking a boat trip to the Bass Rock, playing golf or following the Golfing Heritage Trail, walking along the beach or exploring the nearby Tantallon Castle.

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Best known as the hometown of Andy Murray, Dunblane is a picturesque and historic town which is just under an hour’s drive from Edinburgh.

As well as the impressive 11th century Dunblane Cathedral, you’ll also find the 17th century Dean’s House local history museum and the Leighton Library – Scotland’s oldest private library with books dating as far back as 1500.

Musselburgh

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Just outside the Edinburgh City border, the seaside town of Musselburgh is only a half hour bus journey from the city centre.

Enjoy an ice cream from Luca’s as you stroll along the beach, or visit Musselburgh Racecourse on race day. If golf is your thing, you can also find the Musselburgh Links, the oldest continuously played golf course in the world.

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Peebles has been a popular tourist destination since the Victorian era, when ‘health tourism’ was all the rage, thanks to hydropathic establishments like the Peebles Hydro. You can still stay at the Hydro for a weekend trip, or visit their spa or restaurant as part of a day out.

Peebles is also home to a high street full of independent shops, an interesting local history museum and Kailzie Gardens, a botanic garden which also has an osprey centre and wildlife walks.

South Queensferry

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Technically South Queensferry is part of Edinburgh, but it feels like a completely separate town so it’s ideal if you fancy a short day trip.

There are various boat trips and tours available, including a visit to Inchcolm Island which has a historic abbey and abandoned wartime fortifications to explore.

South Queensferry itself has plenty of restaurants and pubs to stop off in for lunch, and nearby there are several stately homes and historic buildings to visit.

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Although Anstruther is closer to an hour and a half from Edinburgh, it’s well worth the extra time in the car. Located in the East Neuk of Fife, it’s just one of many pretty, old-fashioned fishing villages in the area.

There are lots of seaside attractions to visit, including the Scottish Fisheries Museum, sightseeing cruises to the Isle of May, and Scotland’s ‘Secret’ Bunker.

Anstruther is also home to the Anstruther Fish Bar which has won Fish and Chip Shop of the Year several times.

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13 Awesome Day Trips From Edinburgh By Train Or Bus

Posted by Francesca Brooking | Scotland | 0

Discover the best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus, all reachable in three hours or less!

While Edinburgh is an amazing city (one of my favourites!) with so much to see and do, it’s also perfectly placed to explore some of Scotland’s unmissable destinations.

Better still? You can reach them by public transport – no car necessary. It’s more eco-friendly too!

Taking a day trip from Edinburgh is relatively easy as the city has well-connected transport links to its surrounding regions. Plus, not driving gives you more opportunities to relax and enjoy the view. 

To put this guide together, I’ve enlisted the help of other travellers and local experts to share their favourite day trips.

From coastal villages to epic castles, gorgeous beach hikes and city escapes, here are the best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus! 

Editor’s tip: I’ve made sure to keep these day trips from Edinburgh under three hours to make them achievable. I’ve also a few day tours if you want to go even further. 

The best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus at a glance 

• North Berwick
• St. Andrews 
• Falkirk 
• Stonehaven 
• Stirling 
• Aberdeen 
• Inchcolm Abbey 
• Dunnottar Castle 
• Roslin 

Map of the best Edinburgh day trips

1. north berwick.

By Hannah Henderson from Lifestyle Travel

Highlights: beaches | Tantallon Castle | seabirds | Bass Rock | North Berwick town 

North Berwick is a gorgeous little beachside town, only 30 minutes by train from Edinburgh.   Located in East Lothian, it offers a long white sand beach, and many things to do on a day trip.

The long beach is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day, or a beach walk on a blustery one.  At the west end of the beach, there is a tidal swimming pool, perfect for the little ones to paddle. 

Beyond, is the Scottish Seabird Centre – where you can learn about the birds that make their home along this coastline, and on the nearby Bass Rock.

The town centre of North Berwick is just a few streets, but they are packed with craft and gift stores, old-fashioned sweet shops, traditional Scottish pubs, and the prerequisite fish and chip shop. 

North Berwick is great for golf lovers, with two golf clubs near town.

For history buffs, a short 20-minute bus ride will take you to Tantallon Castle ruins, with its magnificent vantage point on the hilltop above the wild East Lothian coastline.

Top tip : Don’t miss a boat trip out to Bass Rock to see the impressive Gannet colony.  You can enquire about tours at the Scottish Seabird Centre. 

Getting there: Take the regular ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to North Berwick. Enjoy coastal views from the train.  

Recommended North Berwick day trip: Experience East Lothian and North Berwick on a gin and whisky tasting tour departing from Edinburgh. This small group eco-certified tour takes you to NB Distillery before stopping at North Berwick for lunch and a wander. Then it’s Glenkinchie Distillery for whisky!

2. St. Andrews 

By Stefanie from Open Road Odysseys 

Highlights: St. Andrews University | birthplace of golf | medieval town | St. Andrews Cathedral 

St. Andrews is a wonderful destination to explore whether you are taking a day trip from Edinburgh or a road trip through Scotland .

While it may be famous for being the birthplace of golf, there is so much more to this medieval town.

History buffs will enjoy exploring St. Andrews Cathedral. Take your time wandering the grounds and museum, and don’t forget to ascend St Rule’s Tower for an amazing view of the town and sea.

While not as structurally impressive as the cathedral, St. Andrews Castle holds a ton of history and unique features, including the siege mine and “bottle dungeon.”

The views out to the ocean and along the beach are also quite lovely.

If you are a fan of the British royal family, take a stroll through St. Andrews University, which is where Prince William and Kate met.

And for all the golf lovers, there’s the British Golf Museum and 10 golf courses for every budget and experience.

The Old Course, the most iconic and oldest in the world, is open to the public and is a must for any golfer.

Top tip: St. Andrews is very compact and once you arrive, you can easily get anywhere you’d like on foot.

Getting there: St. Andrews is two hours away from Edinburgh by bus. Take the X59 from Princes Street to the town.

Recommended one-day tours from Edinburgh: Want to keep things simple? One of the best day trips from Edinburgh to St Andrews you can do is a day tour. This small group day tour takes you to St Andrews & the Fishing Villages of Fife, including the Forth Bridge and Falkland Palace! 

3. Falkirk 

By Mark Randall

Highlights: The Kelpies | The Falkirk Wheel 

Falkirk is a town that’s easy to bypass if you’re travelling between Edinburgh and Glasgow, but if you get off the train, you’ll find a rather pleasant town with two modern architectural masterpieces.

The Falkirk Wheel (take the 6/6A/7/8) was opened in 2002 to re-link two canals (Forth & Clyde, and Union) and replace a 24-metre flight of canal locks that had been missing for 70 years.

The result is the world’s only rotational Boat Lift but is so precisely balanced that it only takes the power of four kettles to move it!

Helix Park is an area of reclaimed land that’s now a Country Park containing walks, canals and The Kelpies, a pair of 30-metre-high metal horses’ heads that erupt from the ground by the M9 – amazing by day, spectacular when illuminated at night.

The iconic Kelpies are one of the best places to visit less than one hour from Edinburgh! 

Getting there: Take one of the regular trains from Edinburgh Waverley (about 30 minutes): Falkirk Grahamston is nearer to the town centre than Falkirk High, but both stations are served by the same buses you need (Routes 6/6A/7/8/F14 – FirstBus provides a helpful Area map, so remember to add PlusBus to your rail ticket).

Recommended day tour: Tick off several day trips from Edinburgh at once on this affordable small-group tour. You’ll visit the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, then it’s onwards to Stirling Castle! T his eco-certified tour is very popular and tends to sell out fast. 

By Steven Neish from Finding A Neish 

Highlights: V&A Dundee | Heather Street Food | Dundee Contemporary Arts Gallery | Sidlaw Hills 

Worth it for the bridge crossings alone, train travel from Edinburgh to Dundee takes as little as seventy minutes and spans two of Scotland’s most spectacular rivers: the Forth and the Tay. 

With visitors alighting straight into the city’s billion-pound waterfront development, star attraction V&A Dundee, old favourite RRS Discovery and new installation Tay Whale are all visible from the station. 

Foodies can commence their culinary tour immediately at Heather Street Food on the esplanade before working their way up Perth Road. 

Culture vultures can meet comic strip icons, Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx and Oor Wullie en route to McManus Galleries and Dundee Contemporary Arts. 

More active travellers can scale the Law for panoramic views of the city, estuary and Sidlaw Hills or hire a bike from the Cycle Hub and pedal into Angus, Perthshire or back over the Tay to Fife. 

Scotland’s sunniest city, Dundee is also one of its most illuminating – with many discoveries to be made.

Top Tip: Travel one stop further to Broughty Ferry, Dundee’s historic seaside suburb complete with a beach, castle and local nature reserve. Grab an ice cream from Visocchi’s, browse the boutiques and perhaps even spot a dolphin from the shore.

Getting there: The quickest way to get there is the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Dundee. 

5. Stonehaven 

By Sarah Moir from Sarah’s Sojourns 

Highlights: Dunnottar Castle | harbour boardwalk | Tolbooth Museum | The Bay Fish and Chips | birthplace of the deep-fried Mars bar

Famous for its Hogmanay Fireball celebration, the small Scottish town of Stonehaven has lots to offer visitors the whole year round.

. There are hourly trains from Edinburgh and it takes two hours to get there, making it one of the best day trips from Edinburgh without a car.

The must-see attraction for Stonehaven is Dunnottar Castle, which can be reached by a beautiful walk from the harbour. The route is signposted and offers stunning views of the cliffs and passes the War Memorial. 

Another highly recommended walk is along the boardwalk at the harbour to see the collection of metal sculptures by a mystery artist whose identity was only revealed in 2020.

The Tolbooth Museum showcases the history of Stonehaven and is completely free to enter.

For foodies, The Bay Fish and Chips is an award-winning takeaway and cannot be missed, which can then be followed up by a visit to Aunt Betty’s next door for their brilliant ice cream.

In the centre of town is The Carron which is famous for being the birthplace of the Deep Fried Mars Bar.

During the summer months, there is a heated open-air swimming pool, located next to a playpark, making it a great day trip from Edinburgh by public transport for families.

Top tip: Order online for The Bay to avoid huge queues!

Getting there: Take the ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley Station two hours up the east coast to Stonehaven. 

Editor’s tip: The easiest way to travel around Scotland without a car is with small group tours. Check out this guide to the best eco-certified tours ranging from one day to a week.

6. St. Abbs 

By Mohana from Two Together 

Highlights: Coastal views and sea life | National Nature Reserve | cliff walks

St. Abbs in the Scottish Borders is known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, seabird colonies, and charming fishing village. 

Start your visit with a 4-mile walk around St. Abbs Head National Nature Reserve that takes you up around the cliffs, the lighthouse, and Mire Loch. 

In spring and summer, the landscape is dotted with wildflowers and you can bring a hamper for a picnic on the windy cliffs! 

St. Abbs is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts: Over 50,000 seabirds including guillemots and puffins call these cliffs home. You can spot seal pups in the coves during the breeding season. 

The spot is a hit with divers too who are drawn to the rich marine life and fantastic underwater scenery. 

Post walk, explore the village and harbour. Stop by Jill Watson’s memorial to the fishermen who lost their lives off the coast of Berwickshire in a storm in 1881.

End the trip with hot chocolate and crab sandwiches at Ebb Carr’s cafe.

Top tip : Wear good walking shoes as the walking trails can get muddy after a rain shower. You can also continue along the Berwickshire Coastal Path, south to Eyemouth or north to Cockburnspath.

Getting there: From Edinburgh, ride the train to Berwick-upon-Tweed, then the Borders bus 235 to St. Abbs, and you will be there in two hours!

Read More: 12 BEST Day Hikes In Scotland You Need To E xperience

7. Stirling 

By Lucy from Lucy Lives Here

Highlights: Stirling Castle | The Wallace Monument | historic old town 

If you love Scottish history then you’ll love Stirling.  

Sometimes described as a ‘little Edinburgh’, Stirling has cobbled streets, a castle, historic monuments, and genuinely more Scottish history than you can shake a stick at.  

If you’re visiting for the day then your first stop has to be Stirling Castle.

It was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots and has so many points of interest inside – the royal palace, kitchens, chapel royal, and humongous great hall, the biggest in Scotland. 

The Wallace Monument is a short bus ride away – climb the 246 steps and see William Wallace’s real-life sword before emerging at the top. The views are unreal!

Continuing the history theme, the Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is also located nearby. 

Top tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Stirling is a compact city and you can pretty much walk everywhere.

But it does have some steep hills – particularly in the historic old town near the castle. If you’re travelling from Edinburgh you’ll be well versed in that already!

Getting there: How do you get to Stirling from Edinburgh? A return ticket on the train to Stirling costs around £10.80 and takes 45 minutes.

The bus takes around an hour and a half and will cost roughly £11.20. Both the train station and bus station are right in the centre of town.

Recommended day tour: If you want to see as much of Scotland as possible in a day, this small group tour takes you to Stirling Castle, Ben Nevis, Glencoe, Rannoch Moor, Perthshire and includes lunch at Fort Augustus on the shores of Loch Ness. It’s an action-packed eco-certified tour and again, it’s likely to sell out.  

8. Aberdeen 

By Mary King from Bucket List Places 

Highlights: Beach and city | dolphins | fresh seafood | Aberdeen Maritime Museum | Union Terrace Gardens 

Aberdeen is a port city in the Scottish Highlands, notable for its unique granite architecture, fascinating museums, and charming historical districts.

Aberdeen is one of the best day trips from Edinburgh because visitors can enjoy the bustling harbour (home to urban dolphins!) and taste the freshest seafood.

From the Aberdeen Train Station, it is a short walk to many of the city’s highlights. History lovers will love learning about the city’s development at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, or head to the Tolbooth Museum which focuses on local history and is hosted in a 17th-century jail. 

One of the best things to see is the Union Terrace Gardens, a park dating to Victorian times.

Discover the many varieties of flowers, statues, and trees, and see if you can catch one of the events or outdoor concerts commonly held there. 

Even more outdoor fun can be found at Aberdeen Beach , covered in golden sand. Though swimming is not for the faint of heart, you can rent a wetsuit to paddleboard or surf in the summer.

Getting there: Many daily trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station and arrive in Aberdeen within about 2.5 hours. An insider tip is to take the train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen on a Friday, when trains are least crowded, and avoid the busiest day, Sunday.

9. Inchcolm Abbey 

By Nat Took from Natpacker 

Highlights: 12th-century monasteries | Scottish island | wildlife and WWII defences | views towards Edinburgh 

Inchcolm Abbey is a ruin found on an island of the same name, in the Firth of Forth. These stunning ruins are easily accessible from Edinburgh and make a great day trip.

To reach these ruins, take a boat from Hawes Pier, South Queensferry, two companies offer this service.

Both companies do a cruise around the Firth of Forth, going under the three bridges with a commentary about the area. Stopping off at the island is an additional extra to the cruise, but well worth it. Passengers get 1.5 hours on the island to explore.

Founded by King David I, the Inchcolm Abbey dates back to the 12th century, and is the best-preserved group of monasteries in Scotland. 

The island not only has the ruins, but also a wealth of birdlife, seals, World War II defences, and incredible views towards Edinburgh. 

The dramatic location and history make this an incredible place to visit. It’s even possible to get married here! Once on the island, explore the ruins and head out to at least one of the ends of the island, both of which offer great views. 

Heading out to the west side of the island, the path goes through a tunnel and other remains from WW2.

Top Tip: Climb to the top of the tower at the ruins for views across the island.

Getting there: To get to Hawes Pier, simply take the train from Waverly to Dalmeny (which runs regularly) and takes just 15 minutes. From Dalmeny station, it is a short walk (under 10 mins) to the pier.

10. Glasgow

By Moumita & Sankha from Chasing the Long Road

Highlights: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum | Glasgow Cathedral | Necropolis | Glasgow Mural Trail 

Located on the River Clyde, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and one of the best day-trip options from Edinburgh. 

Known as the cultural capital of Scotland, there are lots of historical and cultural things to do in Glasgow.  

The city offers many free tourist attractions, world-class museums, stunning architecture, vibrant street arts and a buzzing music scene. From history aficionados to culinary experts – Glasgow has something for everyone.

One of the main tourist attractions in Glasgow is the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

You will find an extensive collection of 8000 objects within its 22 galleries – from famous Renaissance art to a remarkable collection of natural history artefacts. 

Next, visit the historic Glasgow Cathedral – the oldest building in the city.

It is dedicated to Saint Mungo – the patron saint of Glasgow. Take a stroll to the adjacent Necropolis, a Victorian cemetery offering a beautiful panoramic view of the city skyline. 

Top Tip: Glasgow is famous for its many colourful street art murals by local artists around the city centre. Follow the Glasgow mural trail to admire these impressive artworks.

Getting there: Glasgow is very well-connected with Edinburgh by frequent bus and train services. It takes nearly an hour by train and an hour and a half by bus.

11. Dunnottar Castle 

By Ashleigh from Ashleigh’s Atlas

Highlights: Dunnottar Castle | coastal views and hiking 

If you’re looking for the best day trips from Edinburgh, make sure you go to Dunnottar Castle.

Dunnottar Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland. The castle is only a ruin, but the surrounding landscape is so beautiful.

The castle sits on a small island in the sea, with dramatic cliffs surrounding it. It also inspired the castle in the Disney film Brave. There are no other castles like it in Scotland.

It’s reasonably popular, but not as busy or touristy as Edinburgh Castle.

Most of the castle is in ruins but there are some buildings to explore. The best part is just appreciating the beautiful location. It’s best for castle lovers, history lovers and nature lovers.

Getting there: To get there by train: Take the train from Edinburgh to Stonehaven (2 hours). Then walk along the beautiful cliff walk from Stonehaven to the castle (40 minutes). 

If you don’t want to do the walk, take a train from Edinburgh to Montrose (1 hour 45 mins), then swap to the bus to the Dunnottar Junction (40 mins).

To get there by bus: The bus is slower than the train. Take the bus from Edinburgh to Dundee (1 and a half hours), then swap to the bus from Dundee to Dunnottar Junction (2 hours).

Travel Must: Whatever you do, make sure you have travel insurance before your trip to Scotland. Take it from me, you’re better safe than sorry! I use Battleface. It offers good coverage at an affordable rate!

12. Linlithgow 

By Clazz from An Orcadian Abroad

Highlights: Linlithgow Palace | loch walks | historic town 

Just twenty minutes by train from the centre of Edinburgh sits the small, relatively unassuming town of Linlithgow. 

Although it’s on the main rail line between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Linlithgow is often overlooked as a day trip from Edinburgh, in favour of nearby Falkirk or Stirling.

The town is most famous for its landmark attraction, Linlithgow Palace, most notable for being the birthplace of Mary Queen Of Scots.

As well as being able to explore the ruins of the palace, one of the best things to do is view it from the outside with a leisurely walk around the loch it sits on. 

A peaceful way to while away any sunny day, the loop around the loch is exceptionally pretty, with an abundance of birds on the water, as well as small fishing boats floating through the loch.

The quaint town centre itself offers a strip of fantastic local shops, cafés and pubs, as well as some interesting local history (look out for the statue of the dog), providing everything you need for a great day out from Edinburgh.

Whether it’s history or nature that you’re interested in, Linlithgow offers the perfect mix of both.

Getting there: Linlithgow is just a short 17-minute train ride away from Edinburgh Waverley!

By Jonny from In Faraway Lands

Highlights: Rosslyn Chapel | Roslin Castle | Scottish village | nature walks | excellent tea room 

Roslin is one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh without a car and is also one of the best as it’s only around a one-hour bus journey from the centre of Edinburgh to reach it.

It is a quaint Scottish village filled with history and a gorgeous glen to explore and it is best suited for those who love history as it’s a very historical place with its main claim to fame being Rosslyn Chapel. 

The chapel dates back to 1446 and is an excellent example of Gothic architecture in Scotland.

There have been many rumours based around the chapel connecting it to the Holy Grail although none of it has been proven. Still, it makes for some mystery while there!

Nearby is the Roslin Castle which is partially in ruins but still makes for one of the best castles in Scotland to visit. It also dates to the same period as the chapel.

Although Roslin is known for its history, one top tip is to go to the Roslin Glen where you can meander through a thick forest filled with brooks babbling away that makes a good escape from city life.

Roslin itself is a lovely little Scottish village to have a wander around and for a good lunch break in between everything head to Dolly’s Tea Room where you can have a tea/coffee break along with sandwiches and cakes.

Top tip: Tickets for Rosslyn Chapel need to be booked online in advance. These cost £9.50 for a 90-minute slot so make sure you get there for the time that you booked as they cannot be refunded or exchanged for another time slot. Some time slots include a talk with a guide.

Check the website for more information. 

Getting there: Roslin is just under an hour outside of Edinburgh. The easiest way to get there is the number 37 bus from Princes Street (stop PJ) to the Original Rosslyn Hotel. 

Recommended day tour from Edinburgh: Explore further south of Edinburgh with this top-rated eco-certified tour of Rosslyn Chapel, the village of Melrose in the Scottish Borders with its Border Abbey that houses the heart of Robert the Bruce. It’s another popular tour! 

Final thoughts on the best day trips from Edinburgh without a car

With so many easy day trips from Edinburgh by bus or train, you definitely won’t be missing out if you don’t have your vehicle. 

There are plenty of amazing places to see, castles to explore, epic views and Scottish culture all under three hours from the capital. 

The best thing is no matter which day trip you choose, you’re bound to have an unforgettable experience and learn something new along the way. 

Planning a trip to Scotland? Check out these articles!

• How To Travel To Scotland: Everything You Need To Know
• Complete Scotland Packing List: What To Wear For Every Season
• The BEST Train from London to Edinburgh in 2024 (Review)
• I Review The Caledonian Sleeper Train From London To Fort William

Inspired? Pin for later!

This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Last Updated on 23/02/2024

DESTINATIONS

7 brilliant day trips from Edinburgh by train (and bus)

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Here are some ideas for great day trips from Edinburgh by train and bus. It’s so easy to get around Edinburgh using public transport – no hiring cars and sitting in traffic required! Edinburgh is one of my all-time favourite cities. There is SO much to do there, from eating/drinking too much, to soaking up history and culture, to exploring beautiful hidden gems like Circus Lane . But Edinburgh is also a perfect city base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of Scotland.

For this post, I’ve teamed up with some travel blogging friends to bring you a quick selection of day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus. We’ve all tried and tested them. This list isn’t in any order or anything, and it’s by no means exhaustive. But it’s a good place to start if you’re looking into what you can easily get to via public transport from Edinburgh, perhaps if you’re staying for a good few days or if you’ve been before and want to see what else is around there. I’ve tried to include a decent variety of city, coast, mountains, towns and sights. Let me know in the comments if you have your own tip for a public transport day out from Edinburgh too.

Time to get the kettle on (it would be rude not to also have a shortbread to get into the Scottish mood) and get planning some lovely day trips from Edinburgh by train…

The best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus

1. north berwick – a beautiful seaside town and one of the easiest day trips from edinburgh by train.

North Berwick is my personal favourite of all these potential day trips from Edinburgh by train. It only takes 30 minutes from the city centre but feels a world away. It’s a little seaside town, full of independent shops, beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife.

North Berwick’s coastline is stunning, with a pretty harbour and two beaches. The famous view from the coast is off Bass Rock, an old volcanic rock that is now home to all sorts of seabirds. You can learn more about them and watch them on webcams at North Berwick’s lovely Scottish Seabird Centre. That’s also a great thing to do on a wet afternoon.

If you’re feeling energetic, walk up The Law, North Berwick’s answer to Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat. It’s a volcanic rock towering over the town, offering panoramic views across the coastline and to Edinburgh and the Forth Road Bridge. 

The town of North Berwick itself has loads of brilliant places to eat, drink and shop. I won’t go into my favourites, but you can find out more about things to do in North Berwick in my in-depth post about it.

2. The Kingdom of Fife – one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train for Outlander fans

With thanks to Gemma from the fabulous travel blog Two Scots Abroad .

The Kingdom of Fife is a region crammed with history, cute villages and good food.

Starting in West Fife, Scotland fans will love the ancient capital, Dunfermline, the resting place of King Robert the Bruce. Visitors can pay homage to his tomb at Dunfermline Abbey then grab lunch at the impressive Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries which overlooks the Church, Abbey and Palace. Dunfermline has two train stations with trains running daily from Edinburgh.

Hop on a bus to the cute village of Culross to see a few of the Outlander filming locations including the beautiful orange Culross Palace. Aberdour Castle and Falkland are also popular Outlander locations in Fife.

Head up to the East Neuk of Fife (by bus, you’ll only get as far as Leuchars by train), to try award-winning fish and chips and walk off some of the calories on the Fife Coastal Path!

3. Glasgow – for a taste of a different Scottish city

With thanks to Kathi from the fabulous travel blog Watch Me See .

Glasgow is Edinburgh’s big brother – the largest city in Scotland and doable as one of the easiest day trips from Edinburgh by train – or bus. Hop on a train or bus and make your way across the Central Belt to Glasgow, which was once known as the second city of the British Empire. Back then, the city was industrial and overcrowded and after the crash of the ship building and heavy industries in the city during the 1950s and 60s, not many people held high hopes for the city.

But like a phoenix, Glasgow has risen from the ashes and transformed itself into a bustling city with a thriving music scene, lots of art on the streets and in museums and tons of things to do for free or little money.

First calling point should be the (free) Lighthouse museum for architecture and design. The viewing tower offers a bird’s eye view of the city – but beware of the winding staircase up! Next up, follow the City Centre Mural Trail and snap photos of famous works of art by Rogue One, Smug and Co. Then make your way to the West End of Glasgow and visit Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. Head to Ashton Lane for lunch and pretend you’re Harry Potter at the main building of the University of Glasgow. Explore the artist studios and craft shops at the Hidden Lane and end your day in Glasgow at one of the many trendy restaurants and bars in the Finnieston neighbourhood!

4. The Pentland Hills – ideal for hikers and walkers

With thanks to Beata from the fabulous travel blog Stunning Outdoors .

Are you planning a trip to Edinburgh? Make sure not to miss a hike in nearby Pentland Hills. The Regional Park encompasses a beautiful range of medium-sized hills and valleys (Scottish: glens), which run at Edinburgh’s doorstep. The park is easily accessible by public transport from the city centre, with many buses taking hikers to numerous starting points.

Pentland Hills provide a taste of Scottish hills without going to the Highlands. There are two waterfalls, mountain streams, several hills steep enough to make you sweaty, beautiful views over Edinburgh and the surrounding areas. The Pentlands offer a wide range of walks for a half- or full-day adventure and are a fantastic place to unwind and take a break from city’s hustle and bustle. If you are lucky, you can also spot Highland cattle during your visit in Pentland Hills – visit Swanston Farm, nestled at the foot of Caerketton Hill, and their 300 acres of hill land.

Having lived in Edinburgh for over a decade, I visited Pentland Hills countless times. They’re my favourite short trip away from the city, just a perfect place to relax or, if in the mood, raise your heartbeat!

5. Cramond Island – one of the nicest day trips from Edinburgh by train for stunning scenery

With thanks to Crystal from the fabulous travel blog Wandering Crystal .

Cramond Island is a small isle located just off the coast of Cramond village in Edinburgh . The perfect day trip from the capital, the island is only a 20-minute bus ride from the city centre.

As it’s a tidal island, Cramond Island is only accessible twice a day when the tide is low enough to cross over the paved causeway. The Isle offers beautiful views of the Firth of Forth and, depending on the weather, it’s the perfect place to have an afternoon picnic, a relaxed walk or just a bit of an explore.

If you’re into a bit of history, Cramond Island will win you over with its ruins that were once a holiday home referred to as the Duck House. The island is also home to the now graffiti-plastered decrepit abandoned military buildings that haven’t been used since WWII.

During high tide, the causeway disappears beneath the water’s surface and holds the island in isolation. Be sure to check the tidal times for the day you plan to visit. It’s essential so you don’t miss your chance to see the island — and so you don’t get stranded there when the tide rises.

6. Falkirk – a fab day trip from Edinburgh to see the famous kelpies

With thanks to Nicola from the fabulous travel blog FunkyEllas Travel .

The town of Falkirk is only 25 minutes from Waverley Train Station on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line.

What you’ll find when you get there is the huge steel masterpieces, The Kelpies. These two mythical horse sculptures are over 30 metres tall and were designed by Andy Scott. You can take a tour and learn about the history of Kelpies and the construction process or you can take a stroll around the Helix, with 26km of pathways to explore.

The town of Falkirk is also home to the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift, which connects the Union Canal and the Forth and Clyde Canal. Both the Kelpies and the Wheel have fantastic visitor centres.

The 14th century Callander House is a grand mansion with various exhibits, including one about the Antonine Wall. You can also find a section of the wall in the grounds. Afternoon tea is pretty special too.

The town centre has an excellent range of shops and cafes. The bus station, which is within walking distance of the main shopping area, has regular buses taking you to all of the attractions I’ve mentioned. If you can squeeze it in, you won’t regret a wee visit to the Dunmore Pineapple.

6. Arbroath – to get away from it all

With thanks to Fiona from the fabulous travel blog London Unattached .

Take the train from Edinburgh to Arbroath and in an hour and a half, you’ll be in a quaint fishing town that time seems to have forgotten.

Home of the Arbroath Smokie, arrive hungry and make your way to Stuarts. Here you can buy fresh smokies. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see them being made – hung out over a wood smoker to cure, then served warm with a butter bap. They are a traditional Scottish dish with their own PGI status. Wander down to the harbour and watch the world go by.

What else is there to do in Arbroath besides eat the famous smokies? Well, there’s a museum in the signal tower and you can take a look at the Bell Rock Lighthouse, Britain’s oldest surviving offshore lighthouse. Or take a ride on the miniature railway. Not to miss is Arbroath Abbey, founded in 1178 and home to the Declaration of Arbroath made in 1320. An Apologia or formal written defence, it has UNESCO ‘Memory of the World Status’ and sets out Scotland’s case as an independent sovereign kingdom.

A few extra tips for planning day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus

It may be wildly obvious and patronising of me to even say this, but check the weather forecast before heading out on any of these day trips from Edinburgh by train/bus. Somewhere like North Berwick or Glasgow will have plenty of indoor stuff to do. The Pentland Hills might not be so enjoyable in a downpour! Having said that, you can always wrap up and go for it regardless.

You can always buy train tickets online from Trainline or Scotrail etc. The same often goes for bus tickets (through National Express or a local bus company’s website). But sometimes with buses, you do need to buy a ticket in person. In those circumstances, it’s usually best to have the right cash on you.

There are two train stations in Edinburgh: Waverley and Haymarket. Make sure you’ve planned the right one!

Bus and train services might not be that frequent, depending on where you’re off to for your day trip. Check, check and check again. Know what time you need to be back at the bus stop or train station. Burn this information into your brain. Set a reminder on your phone if you have to. It’s no fun being stuck in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal (and no Uber service!). And in the rain, most likely…

If you’d rather not do any planning yourself, there are organised tours. If you don’t speak much English or you need assistance in general, this might be a decent option. You can find loads on Get Your Guide , which is one of the most reputable tour operators.

Save and share: some of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train or bus

If you enjoyed this post on day trips from Edinburgh by train, why pin it to your Pinterest board?

I also have plenty of posts about other areas in Scotland:

• 35 things to do in Pitlochry: a highland escape
• 20 things to do in North Berwick, Scotland
• A guide to Circus Lane, Edinburgh’s prettiest photo spot .

… And I have a specific Dumfries and Galloway collection , which covers the following areas:

• Kirkcudbright
• Castle Douglas
• Gatehouse of Fleet
• Rockcliffe and Kippford
• Carrick Bay
• Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey
• Portpatrick .

If you’d like an email alert when I publish a new post, subscribe using the box at the side (if you’re on a laptop) or at the bottom (if you’re on a mobile or tablet).

And if you enjoy my blog, you can also  buy me a drink . Cheers.

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Great post. Shows what an excellent base Edinburgh makes for visiting some lovely ,but less well known places.

I love articles like this because although I adore exploring new cities, they can get rather overwhelming after a few days so it’s nice to escape them to somewhere quieter and more remote 😊

Cramond island sounds a bit like Lindisfarne in Northumberland, which my friends and I did as a daytrip from Newcastle. We *almost* got stranded there as a result of misjudging the tide!

Falkirk is just magical! It should be on everyones bucket list! Great pos!

I am surprised Stirling isn’t on here! That’s really easy to get to from here, and one of my favourite places in Scotland. 🙂 Also Linlithgow is a beautiful little town and the palace is well worth a visit!

The girl doing Stirling never got back to me 😒 The joys of blogger collabs!

I always feel this is one of my place in Scotland such an awesome places thanks for sharing!

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• The Unofficial Edinburgh Guide

• Stockbridge & Dean Village
• South Queensferry
• Dunbar, East Lothian
• Food & Drink
• Edinburgh Activities
• Where to Stay

10 Fun Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

This article has links to products and services we love, which we may make commission from.

Scotland’s history is not confined to the capital city, so why not devote a day or two to getting out and visiting some of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train?

Across the country, you’ll discover new sights and hear the different accents spoken across Scotland!

You can book tickets via the ScotRail website or app or at a machine at the train station.

You may also like our guide to bus day trips and guided coach excursions .

Day Trips by Train from Edinburgh

• Journey time: 20 minutes
• Departure Frequency: every 20 mins during the day

Dunbar, or Sunny Dunny as it is known to locals, is a cute town on the East Lothian coast.

It has three harbours where boats bob about, a stunning sandy beach at Belhaven with a view of Bass Rock and a historic High Street packed with independent shops and cafes such as Graze and Dunbar Community Bakery.

There are two fish and chip shops and a hip artisan pizza place for dinner too.

Dunbar is where a famous US conservationist was born, and you can learn more about him at the John Muir Birthplace.

Outdoors fans will want to visit Foxlake for a Segway tour or get out on a SUP or surfboard.

You can read more about things to do in Dunbar here .

Dunbar Train Station is a 5-minute walk from the High Street.

North Berwick

• Journey time: 30 minutes
• Departure Frequency: hourly

There are a number of impressive seaside coastal towns in East Lothian, but none better than North Berwick.

Covered with pastel homes, scenic bays and miles and miles of pristine beaches, the town has preserved its rich heritage despite the high tourist inflow.

The Scottish Seabird Centre is the starting point in North Berwick for cruises along the Firth of Forth into the Isle of May.

The almost ruined 1358-built Tantallon Castle, of King Arthur’s fame, occupies a vantage setting overlooking Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth.

The secluded Seacliff Beach is just a short distance away and is home to the smallest harbour in Britain. Full of rock pools and a variety of marine life, the beach is a fun place for the entire family.

Also, make sure to check out this Beers, Whiskies and Gin tour in East Lothian when you visit!

→ Read next | Beautiful Beaches Near Edinburgh

• Journey time: 50 minutes
• Departure Frequency: every 30 minutes

If you are looking to experience the rich history of Scotland, then head to Stirling for an easy trip from Scotland’s capital.

Located in the central part of the country, this historical city serves as the gateway to the Highlands and has several key attractions which are worth a visit.

It’s worth purchasing a Stirling City Pass to gain access to most of the iconic spots without having to queue up.

The striking Stirling Castle should be the best place to start with.

Once you have finished with this medieval citadel encircled by breathtaking scenery, another must-see is the Wallace Monument , built to honour the legendary hero William Wallace. 

To learn more about the history of Scotland, you can enjoy a 3D show at the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Center before returning to Edinburgh.

• Departure Frequency: every 15 minutes

Scotland’s largest city is less than an hour away by train.

This vibrant and friendly city attracts visitors with its arts, music, fashion, and food scene.

The Merchant City is a cultural hub and is just a few minutes walk from both the Glasgow Central and Queen Street stations.

Merchant Square is home to a number of bars and restaurants and is housed in the historic and impressive Merchant’s Marketplace.

You can hop aboard the underground to the West End, where you’ll find Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the University of Glasgow, and many bars and restaurants.

Loch Lomond

• Journey time: 2 hours

Most visitors assume that seeing this largest body of water in the UK involves hectic scheduling, but the truth is you can get there quickly by train in two hours (with one stopover at Glasgow Queen Street station).

A short stroll from the Balloch railway station is the cruise point, which takes visitors on trips covering the key areas of the loch.

Great views of the loch can be had from the cafe inside the Balloch Castle Country Park .

While you are there, admire the beauty of Balloch Castle as well.

Dine at The Balloch House, The Pier Kitchen or Tullie Inn.

You can also get to Loch Lomond by car or bus tour; here’s our guide explaining how.

• Journey time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Departure Frequency: eight departures per day

Glens, glorious woodlands and two prominent whisky distilleries make a day trip to Pitlochry a perfect outing for the entire family.

This truly scenic journey out of Edinburgh Waverley station takes the traveller past the iconic Forth Bridge and then sweeps across the coast.

For whisky aficionados, Edradour Distillery is a must-see.

This unique distillery is renowned as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland.

Robertson’s of Pitlochry should also be on your list.

This shop stocks rare and unique whiskies and small-batch gins from across the UK.

Pitlochry has plenty of other attractions like upmarket spas, food outlets and the wobbly Tummel Suspension Bridge , the popular rope and lattice landmark on the walk along the famous Rob Roy Way .

South Queensferry (Dalmeny)

South Queensferry is a harbour town on the outskirts of Edinburgh.

This day trip is popular because you can literally dine underneath the UNESCO Forth Bridge and sail between the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing!

Visitors tend to walk along the waterfront, hop aboard a cruise to Incholm Island, eat tray bakes at one of the cafes on the cobbled high street or dine at the upmarket Orocco Pier or Scotts.

There’s a fish and chip shop, so if you’re on a budget, you won’t look out of place eating a chippy on a bench looking out to the River Forth.

If you fancy a drink, check out the handful of ‘old man’ pubs or the Hawe’s Inn or Railbridge Bistro, both of which have outdoor seating for warm days.

You can’t beat South Queensferry on a sunny day!

The Forth Road Bridge is open to pedestrians, which means you can walk to the next town, North Queensferry and hop on the train back to Edinburgh from there.

The station at South Queensferry is called Dalemy, and it is about a 10-minute walk to the main street.

The lighting isn’t great, so we don’t advise walking alone at night.

Read next: Things to do in South Queensferry and where to stay .

Aberdour and Fife Coast Trail

• Journey time: 35 minutes

As the gateway to the stunning Fife Coastal Trail , the picturesque town of Aberdour aptly displays what sea life is all about.

Explore the 14th-century Aberdour Castle and Gardens and the neighbouring St. Fillan’s church, which dates back to the 12th century.

A short walk from Aberdour Station will bring you to the harbour.

From here, there’s a path over Hawkcraig Cliffs, which leads to Starley Burn that will bring you through some forest patches and waterfalls.

You can then walk back or continue on to Burntisland to catch your return train to Edinburgh.

There are plenty of lunch choices in Aberdour, such as Cafe @ No 16, Sands (on the beach) or Aberdour Bistro or take out from The Post and Pantry.

→ Read Next | Walks in Edinburgh

• Journey time: 1 hour 20 minutes (train and bus)
• Departure Frequency: every thirty minutes

Internationally renowned as the ‘home of golf’ and royalty, St Andrews enjoys a spectacular location on the picturesque Fife coastline and is accessed by another iconic landmark, the Forth Bridge.

St Andrews is home to one of the oldest golf clubs in the world – the Royal and Ancient Golf Club .

Golfers in St Andrews can tee off in any of the seven splendid courses.

• Castle Course
• Jubilee Course
• Eden Course
• Strathtyrum Course
• Balgove Course

History buffs, too, need not worry as St Andrews’ thousands of years of heritage showcases gems like the St Salvator’s Chapel, Scotland’s oldest university, the University of St Andrews, and St Andrews Cathedral.

The nearby West Sands Beach is a great place to paddle and play along the beautiful two-mile stretch of golden sand.

East Sands Beach is also a beautiful location and is a great spot for watersports, including sailing and surfing.

• Journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Departure Frequency: half-hourly

Dundee is Scotland’s fourth-largest city and a UNESCO City of Design.

Previously home to some of Scotland’s shipping industry, you’ll now discover Dundee’s arts and hospitality scene.

The recently opened V&A Design Museum sits on the banks of the River Tay.

This stunning building is home to even more incredible artwork and design pieces.

You can experience the RSS Discovery next door at Discovery Point .

This impressive ship was the one sailed to Antarctica by Captain Scott and his heroic crew.

Head to the top of Dundee Law. At 174 meters, you will experience breathtaking views of Dundee, Fife the Tay and the Tay Bridges.

The McManus is Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum. Housed in a Gothic Victorian building, the gallery is home to a collection across eight open gallery spaces.

Train travel is a great way to get around Scotland because:

• The countryside can be reached in under 30 minutes
• You don’t have to drive
• You can have a drink
• There’s space for prams and bikes
• Assistance for wheelchair users (advanced booking)
• You have all day to return on a cheap off-peak ticket

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Ronan has lived in Edinburgh his whole life. He loves to spend time in Edinburgh’s unique neighbourhoods sampling the excellent food and drink scene, interesting culture and weather (hah!)

6 thoughts on “ 10 Fun Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train ”

How do we book these tickets? I am specifically looking at the Loch Lomond trip but wasn’t sure where to book?

Hi Brittney. You book via the ScotRail website or app or at a machine at the train station. Hope you have a lovely trip!

Excellent information!!!! We are headed to Edinburgh in November! Do you have any tips for going to multiple locations by train in a day? We definitely want to see Stirling Castle…is that an all day event?

Hey Amy! Thanks for your kind words and question. Edinburgh to Stirling is less than an hour so depending how much time you spend in Stirling you could do another train trip. Consider Stirling to Falkirk for the Kelpies maybe? There’s a bit of a walk from the station to the Kelpies but totally doable, we’ve done it ourselves.

We are going to Edinburgh with our daughter. She wants to go to Loch Ness and maybe Isle of Skye. We are wondering if we need to rent a car or can it all be done by train? Thanks for this interesting article!

Hi Elizabeth. You could either rent a car or take a tour if you prefer not to do the driving. Enjoy!

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Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train: 6 Amazing Places to Visit in Scotland

By Jools Stone

Visitors to Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery Glasgow can hear daily free recitals from their magnificent organ – image: © Chris P King / The Train Hacker

There’s no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh, but you’ll find plenty of captivating places a short train ride away. There’s a fantastic day out from urban adventures, countryside and coastal escapes, family-friendly attractions, whisky distilleries, and historic Scotland.

Book your tickets directly with Scotrail , and you’ll pay no booking fees or credit/debit card charges!

Here’s our selection of the best places to visit on day trips from Edinburgh by train.

Less than an hour from Edinburgh, Glasgow offers a complete contrast and a refreshing edge. Friendly locals, a vibrant arts and music scene, and respect for its industrial heritage give Glasgow its unique vitality – making it more like a major international city than Edinburgh.

West End district

Glasgow’s West End district is the bohemian hub of the city and is popular with day-trippers, locals and students. Take your pick of things to see and do from galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, shopping and parks.

The charming cobbled and fairy-light-lit alleyway of Ashton Lane has the famous Ubiquitous Chip restaurant and indie picturehouse, the Grosvenor Cinema. While nearby Byers Road sustains the fiercely independent record and comic shops, many other cities have long abandoned.

Oran Mor, a former church and multi-arts venue with awe-inspiring frescos by writer and illustrator Alasdair Grey, is home to the lunchtime theatre sensation ‘A Play, a Pie and a Pint.’

Across the river, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is the most impressive and most visited British museum outside London. The imposing Victorian cultural cathedral brings together an eclectic mix of exhibits. Alongside much else, look out for dinosaur skeletons, Salvador Dalí’s Christ of St John of the Cross and a Spitfire hanging from the rafters.

Charming Ashton Lane in the West End is a great place to meet Glasgow’s friendly locals at a restaurant or bar – image: © Chris P King / The Train Hacker

The West End is around 2-2.5 miles from Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations. To get there by Subway (known locally as the ‘Clockwork Orange’), take the metro from Buchanan Street (next to Glasgow Queen Street) or Enoch Street (next to Glasgow Central) to either Hillhead, Kelvinbridge or Kelvinhall or take a bus.

Merchant City district

Merchant City is a cultural quarter using palatial spaces leftover from Glasgow’s rich merchant heritage. Warehouses that once stored tobacco and cotton are now home to studios, workshops, cafes, restaurants and bars. On the weekends, Merchant Square holds a craft fair which brings together some of the city’s finest artisans.

City Halls and the Old Fruitmarket are the entertainment venues of Merchant City. City Hall’s traditional shoebox-style auditorium produces fine acoustics for concerts. The Old Fruitmarket is a versatile space with gigs, theatre, club nights and comedy shows.

Glasgow Queen Street and Central stations are just a few minutes walk to the Merchant City district.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s distinct style of architecture and design lends the city a unique feel. His signature Art Nouveau buildings in Glasgow include the Daily Record Building, The Lighthouse and the Scotland Street School Museum.

His Willow Tea Rooms – where he had complete control over interior and exterior design – has re-opened as ‘Mackintosh at the Willow’ after a major renovation. Discover more about his work and places to visit .

Sadly, Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece, the Glasgow School of Art, was destroyed by fire in June 2018.

Glasgow is family-friendly and has many things to do regardless of your tastes. Visit People Make Glasgow and find out what’s going on around this lively city.

Edinburgh to Glasgow by train

Trains depart from Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street station every 15 minutes and take around 50 mins. More frequent services which take longer go between Edinburgh and Glasgow Central station.

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Stirling Castle is one of three big historical attractions in Stirling, along with the National Wallace Monument and the Battle of Bannockburn site – image: Stirling Castle – Scotland by mariocutroneo, used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED

Stirling offers ancient castles, historic battlefields and national heroes alongside a host of family-friendly attractions and the youthful energy of a student town.

Stirling’s often pegged as a mini-Edinburgh, and indeed, it has a fair amount in common with ‘Auld Reekie.’ There’s the hilltop castle, an old town with narrow atmospheric lanes, and even a Church of the Holy Rude – not to be confused with Edinburgh’s Holyrood. Of course, there’s more to Stirling than this easy comparison suggests.

For many, the prime reason to visit will be the town’s trio of heavyweight historical attractions: Stirling Castle, the National Wallace Monument and the Bannockburn Visitor Centre.

Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle , sitting on a 350-million-year-old crag and established around 1110, was once the residence of Stewart monarchs. Today, you can meet costumed characters, take in magnificent sculptures and beautiful gardens, and roam around the Regimental Museum, Great Kitchens and Tapestry Studio.

Battle of Bannockburn

Just outside Stirling lies the site of one of the most significant battles in Scottish history. The Wars of Scottish Independence, which erupted in the late 13th century, came to a decisive conclusion on the fields of Bannockburn in 1314.

Led by Robert the Bruce, the Battle of Bannockburn is celebrated in Scotland as a historic victory over the English – who outnumbered the Scots forces by at least two to one. Bannockburn was a significant battle that led the English Crown to recognise the Kingdom of Scotland’s independence.

The Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre uses immersive 3D technology to recreate the battle in detail. Regular buses (every 5-15 minutes) from Stirling Bus Station (next to the train station) take around 15-20 minutes to get there.

National Wallace Monument

You can visit the 67-metre-high National Wallace Monument to complete Stirling’s patriotic pilgrimage. Erected in 1869, it honours Scotland’s national hero, Sir William Wallace, the 14th-century knight who spearheaded Scottish independence at the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

The breathtaking panoramic views from the top stretch from Ben Lomond and the Trossachs to the west, the Forth Valley and city of Stirling, and the Ochil and Pentland Hills to the East. While climbing the 246-step spiral staircase, you’ll pass the Hall of Heroes, which shows generations of famous Scots whom Wallace inspired.

The National Wallace Monument is two miles from Stirling Bus Station, with regular buses taking 10-15 minutes.

More places to visit in Stirling

One mile from the National Wallace Monument, Stirling University is home to the Macroberts Art Centre. The centre hosts over 400 performances throughout the year, including dance, comedy, music, art exhibitions and film.

Closer to Stirling Station (less than a mile away) is the family-friendly building conservation centre, the Engine Shed, the ruined Cambuskenneth Abbey and Old Stirling Bridge.

Start planning your trip to historic Stirling and learn more about things to do at Stirling: Alive with Scotland .

Edinburgh to Stirling by train

Trains depart from Edinburgh Waverley to Stirling station every 30 mins and take around 50 mins.

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Rockpools along the coast from Seacliffe Beach, North Berwick, with Bass Rock out at sea – image: Bass Rock, North Berwick, Scotland, United Kingdom by Giuseppe Milo, used under CC BY 2.0 DEED

North Berwick

The seaside is closer to Edinburgh than you might think, and if you only visit one of East Lothian’s many coastal towns, make it North Berwick. Besides having a pair of scenic bays with sandy beaches, it’s a charming place with a row of pastel-coloured cottages and a small town filled with local craft shops, family-run fish and chippies, seafood restaurants and quaint tearooms.

A small but thriving arts community – partially populated by Edinburgh exiles – means the town retains its genuine character beyond the touristy vibe often found in seaside resorts. They even have their festival spin-off each August, Fringe by the Sea.

Scottish Seabird Centre

One of the town’s most popular attractions is undoubtedly the Scottish Seabird Centre . You can take a boat cruise across the Firth of Forth to the Isle of May, which has a significant puffin colony. There are also trips to other islands, including BBC Nature’s award-winning Bass Rock, home to one of the world’s largest gannet colonies.

North Berwick: Attractions out of town

Other attractions worth exploring just a little outside North Berwick include the National Museum of Flight, Tantallon Castle and Seacliffe Beach.

The National Museum of Flight at East Fortune Airfield showcases a fleet of aircraft from the First World War onwards. Exhibits include the oldest surviving Harrier jump jet and the only Concorde in Scotland you can board. The limited 121 bus service serves the museum, which takes 30 minutes. Alternatively, take a train to Drem and pick up the bus.

Tantallon Castle, built around 1358, was mooted as the possible inspiration for the legend of King Arthur’s Camelot. The semi-ruined castle captures the imagination with its dramatic setting on a rocky headland overlooking Bass Rock and the Firth of Forth. To reach the castle from North Berwick, take the limited 120 bus service, which takes 20 minutes.

A bit further along the coast, you’ll arrive at a hidden gem, the beautiful Seacliff Beach. Golden dunes, rock pools teeming with marine life and Britain’s tiniest harbour make it a perfect excursion with the family. Seacliff Beach is accessed by paying a small charge (as it’s private), but don’t let the locals know we told you about it!

Edinburgh to North Berwick by train

Trains from Edinburgh to North Berwick take 33 minutes and depart every hour.

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Golf’s iconic Swilcan Bridge at the Old Course, St Andrews, with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in left background – image: Noah_Jurik

With its stunning Fife coastal location and wealth of prime golfing and royal connections, it’s easy to see why St Andrews continues to draw in tourists. A journey that crosses the iconic Forth Bridge makes an ideal day trip from Edinburgh by train.

‘The Home of Golf’

St Andrews is internationally acclaimed as the ‘home of golf’ with its legendary Old Course considered the oldest in the world. Adjacent to the first tee sits the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, the oldest golf club in the world.

For golf fans, St Andrews is a mecca not to be missed. Today, St Andrews Links offers seven golf courses, including the famous Old Course, all available to play. Rather than traipse around the sights of Edinburgh, why not play a round of golf at St Andrew’s Links ? Sounds very appealing.

Just yards from the Old Course, the R&A World of Golf traces the game’s history from Medieval times to the present day.

Historical St Andrews

St Andrews University is the world’s third oldest English-speaking university, so naturally permeates the town’s flavour. Visitor favourites include the sacred heart of the university’ Sallies Quad’ and the historic St Salvator’s Chapel.

Because St Andrew’s ancient heritage stretches back over a thousand years, some of the town’s most celebrated sights are little more than photogenic ruins. The 11th-century cathedral was once Scotland’s biggest, and today, the best surviving portion is the skeletal frame of St Rule’s Tower.

Thought to be the original location of the relics of St Andrew, only the foundations of the Chapel of St Mary on the Rock survive today. Another ruin is Blackfriars Chapel, the 16th-century monastery of Dominican monks, which is spectacularly illuminated at night.

West Sands Beach

You may recognise the uninterrupted two-mile golden stretch of West Sands Beach from the sporting biopic film Chariots of Fire. West Sands Beach is a lovely place for a walk and a paddle, and if you’re feeling brave enough, a swim!

Discover more about places to see and things to do at St Andrew’s .

Edinburgh to St Andrew’s by train via Leuchars

St Andrews is reached from Edinburgh Waverley station by train to Leuchars and a connecting bus. On average, the total daytime journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Book Train Tickets from Edinburgh to St Andrew’s>>

Pitlochry is a scenic day trip by train from Edinburgh and appealing to whisky-lovers who can visit the Blair Athol Distillery – image: Visit Scotland

The Victorian railway boom made Pitlochry an attractive hillside town enveloped by glens and glorious woodlands which blaze with colour come the autumn. With two distinguished whisky distilleries to visit and a renowned shop, Pitlochry makes a perfect day out for whisky lovers.

The trip to Pitlochry is the most scenic rail journey of our days out from Edinburgh, which is just as well as it takes nearly two hours. On the way, you’ll cross the Forth Bridge before sweeping along the coast and onto the last stretch and the beautiful scenery from Perth onwards.

Pitlochry’s whisky heritage

Blair Athol Distillery is one-mile from Pitlochry station; founded in 1798, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. The moorland site was chosen because of the constant supply of pure water from the ancient Allt Dour. Their celebrated malt is aged in bourbon barrels used in the famous Bell’s brand blend.

Edradour Distillery is a traditional farmhouse distillery and one of the last to produce single malt whisky by hand. Before the advent of micro-breweries, it was one of the smaller-scale suppliers of ‘the water of life’. Getting to Edradour Distillery takes 10 minutes by taxi, around one hour walk or 40-50 minutes by bus and foot.

Finally, Robertson’s shop in town has an excellent selection of Scotch with whisky and gin-tasting sessions.

Pitlochry resort town attractions

There’s plenty more to do in Pitlochry with its attractive Victorian villas, smart foodie hotels and spas, upmarket outfitters and more high street names than your average Scottish country town.

Just don’t have too many ‘wee swallies’ (alcoholic drinks) before you brave a trip over the wobbly Tummel Suspension Bridge! The lattice and rope bridge is often used by walkers hiking the 79-mile Rob Roy Way.

How many towns can boast of having their very own hydroelectric dam? Well, prepare to be suitably awed by the Pitlochry Dam, with a visitor centre which tells the story of how the water of the River Tummel has been harnessed to power the region. The dam has a ‘fish ladder’ which allows salmon to spawn upstream, and you can watch this fascinating natural spectacle from April to late October.

Though the cosy place is, there’s nothing remotely provincial about Pitlochry’s Festival Theatre, which has a reputation for producing a high volume of bold work, giving art lovers another reason to roam here.

Edinburgh to Pitlochry by train

The quickest Edinburgh Waverley to Pitlochry train takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, with morning departures every hour.

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Standing 30 metres tall, the Kelpies in Falkirk have quickly become an iconic feature on Scotland’s tourist trail – image: Kelpies by Steven Straiton, used under CC BY 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

A few years ago, Falkirk, an industrial belt town – between Edinburgh and Glasgow – might seem an unlikely contender for your day trip itinerary. But in 2014, the Kelpies arrived and put Falkirk firmly on the map.

The Kelpies and Helix Park

The Kelpies are a pair of enormous, beautifully crafted 30-metre-high horse sculptures at Helix Park. Fashioned from glittering steel and reflecting the waters underneath, it pays tribute to the horses which drove Scotland’s industrial past. Designed by Andy Scott, the Kelpies are begging to be Instagrammed, and they’ve swiftly become a tourist icon of not just Falkirk but Scotland as a whole.

Helix Park offers around 500km of connected cycle paths and surrounding parkland.

Take the train to Falkirk Grahamston or Falkirk High to get to the Kelpies and Helix Park. From Falkirk Grahamston station, buses leave every 10 minutes from nearby Weir Street and take 30 minutes to get there. From Falkirk High Station, buses nearby take around 45 minutes.

The Falkirk Wheel

The Falkirk Wheel is an engineering marvel and a modern testament to Scotland’s industrial prowess. Standing 35 meters high, the world’s only rotating boat lift connects the Union Canal with the Forth & Clyde Canal. Its design is inspired by the ‘shape of a Celtic double-headed spear, a whale’s ribcage or a Clyde-built ship propeller’, depending on how you see it! The Falkirk Wheel’s ingenuity is such that it only takes the equivalent energy of eight boiling kettles to power a single turn.

To get to the Falkirk Wheel , take the train to either Falkirk High or Falkirk Grahamston. From Falkirk High Station, the number 3 bus from nearby Drossie Road departs every 20 minutes and takes 20 minutes to get there. From Falkirk Grahamston station, buses nearby leave every 5-10 minutes and take around 25 minutes to get there (bus number 3 from St Andrews Church requires the least amount of walking).

Historical Falkirk

At various locations around Falkirk, you can see remnants of the Antonine Wall, the second (and less preserved) of Roman’s great walls in Northern Britain. Snaking its way 37 miles from the River Clyde to the River Forth, the Antonine Wall included a turf wall and a deep ditch.

Callendar House, a stunning French chateau-style mansion with extensive grounds, is another historical landmark worth a visit. Dating from the 14th century, Callendar House has hosted the likes of Bonnie Prince Charlie, Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Victoria and countless other historical figures. One of its permanent displays is the Antonine Wall, with remnants of it within its grounds.

Visit Falkirk has the lowdown on attractions and things to do in Falkirk.

Edinburgh to Falkirk by train

Trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk High depart every 15 minutes and take 25-30 minutes. The quickest trains from Edinburgh Waverley to Falkirk Grahamston depart every 30 minutes and take around 35 minutes.

Book Edinburgh to Falkirk Train Tickets >>

Edinburgh Days Trips by Train: Travel Extras, Tips and Hacks

Accommodation: hotels and the caledonian sleeper.

Why limit yourself to a day trip from Edinburgh by train? For the ultimate rail travel experience, arrive in Edinburgh (or Glasgow) in style on the Caledonian Sleeper service from London .

For the ultimate luxury railway experience, stay in one of Edinburgh’s luxury railway hotels at either The Balmoral Hotel or at the opposite end of Princes Street, the Waldorf Astoria – Caledonian . Or, take your pick from budget to top-end hotels in Edinburgh .

Save money on train tickets

To save money on your journey, remember to pack your trusty Railcard to get 1/3 OFF adult and 60% OFF child fares. Book your train tickets with Scotrail , and you won’t pay any booking or card fees.

Tours: Edinburgh and Scotland

While in Edinburgh, why not take a tour from an expert travel guide to help you get more out of your trip? They’re also a great idea if you’re pushed for time and want to see as much as possible while there.

And if you want to visit the places mentioned here and a whole lot more (the Scottish Highlands and whisky trails spring to mind!), Edinburgh is the perfect place to explore more of Scotland.

We recommend Get Your Guide for the best tours in Edinburgh and Scotland.

The Jacobite steam train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct is one of the highlights of the journey from Fort William to Mallaig

Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express

Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacular journey through the Scottish Highlands. Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, you’ll love travelling one of the world’s most scenic train journeys by steam train. Find out how to ride the Harry Potter train in Scotland , which includes multi-day tours from Edinburgh which include the trip .

We hope you enjoyed our round-up of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Written by Jools Stone and Chris P King – last updated November 2023.

• Stirling Castle – Scotland by mariocutroneo , used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED
• Bass Rock, North Berwick, Scotland, United Kingdom by Giuseppe Milo , used under CC BY 2.0 DEED
• St Andrews, Scotland by Noah_Jurik , used under Pixababy
• Blair Athol Distillery Pitlochry by Visit Scotland
• Kelpies by Steven Straiton , used under CC BY 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

About Jools Stone

Jools Stone is a freelance travel writer, copywriter and blogger based in Brighton. Follow his rail travel adventures on Twitter .

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15 Unforgettable Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

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There are so many incredible day trips from Edinburgh by Train. In fact, one of the easiest ways to get around Scotland is by using the train that goes throughout the country, and it can get you to some pretty cool places!

Whether you’re looking for Edinburgh day trips by train to places in the great outdoors or you’d rather hit up a small coastal town, this list has got you covered.

While I was studying abroad in Dublin, I took a trip to Scotland, and trust me when I say I love the ease of traveling the UK by train. It’s just not like that here in the United States!

Each section includes precisely how to get there, the distance, and some fun things to do in the place. Read on to learn all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train!

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Edinburgh Train Day Trips

Are you in a rush? Here are the best day trips from Edinburgh by train and how long it takes to get there. Where will you go?

Day Trips from Edinburgh by Train

St. andrews.

🚆 Distance: 1 hour 45 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the Scotrail towards Dundee from Edinburgh Waverley Station and get off at Leuchars. Then, take the 94A towards St Andrews and get off at the St Andrews bus station from the station.

First up is one of the best Edinburgh day trips by train, St. Andrews! It only takes slightly less than two hours to get there from Edinburgh, and the drive is pretty scenic along the way, making it the perfect way to spend a day.

Plus, St Andrews is one of the best places to visit in Scotland .

As a coastal city in Scotland, St Andrews is a beautiful location known for its history and excellent golf courses. In fact, it’s even home to a museum dedicated to golfing called the British Golf Museum!

Many people know St Andrews because it’s also home to the University of St Andrews, one of Scotland’s universities dating back to the 1400s. The university itself features gorgeous architecture and outdoor spaces worth exploring.

Other fun things to check out while visiting St Andrews include the St Andrews Cathedral, St Andrews Castle, and even the St Andrews Aquarium.

If you want to make your trip an overnight trip, consider staying at Five Pilmour Place . With mid-range pricing and lots of amenities, this is one of the most popular places to stay in St Andrews!

Plus, the rooms are cozy, and it’s a short walk to the Old Course and St Andrews Castle.

🚂 Book your ticket to St Andrews here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Hop on the ScotRail towards Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley. Get off at Dundee!

Another of the best day trips by train from Edinburgh is Dundee, a harbor town on the eastern coast of Scotland with a population of over 150,000. It is home to prominent universities, world-class golf courses, and eclectic art galleries.

There are many things to do in Dundee, Scotland. It has an impressive selection of museums, art galleries, and cafes that are great for the whole family.

The town also offers plenty of shopping opportunities on the High Street with many independent shops to explore.

For a fun, educational (yet also free) time, head to the V&A Museum in Dundee . The entrance is free, and there are always fun art exhibits inside, like the one in the image above.

Often, there are also paid exhibits that circle around a specific topic. I was lucky enough to attend one about video games in 2019!

Other fun things to do in Dundee include visiting the McManus Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee Contemporary Arts, or Verdant Works.

An excellent place to stay in Dundee is the Hotel Indigo Dundee . Average nightly costs are under $100, and it’s in a reasonably central location! There are great amenities like parking, air conditioning, and an on-site restaurant.

🚂 Book your ticket to Dundee here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 4 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Dundee from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Perth. Then, switch to the ScotRail towards Inverness and get off at Inverness. From there, you’ll have to rent a car, go on a tour, or use a local bus to get to Loch Ness.

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train is Loch Ness! Many people who visit Scotland want to see the famed Loch Ness Monster, which is said to be right at Loch Ness.

While there is no definitive proof that this creature exists, there are many claims of sightings and even photos of it.

Most people visit Urquhart Castle , right at Loch Ness, when visiting. It is said that the castle was the first place the monster was seen back in 565 AD.

Today, visitors can take a boat ride out on the loch or hike around the hillsides to try to catch a glimpse of it!

Many tour operators offer tours of the area and local shops where tourists can purchase souvenirs and gifts, so you can easily make your trip to Loch Ness longer if needed.

If you’re looking to stay in the area by Loch Ness, consider spending the night at The Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. This four-star hotel is usually around $100 per night, so it is super affordable for the value that you get.

The rooms are chic, and there’s free breakfast, plus two restaurants right on site.

🚂 Book your ticket to Loch Ness here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 30 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Head to Edinburgh Waverley station and hop on the Scotrail towards Dunblane. Get off on Falkirk Grahamston and enjoy your trip!

Falkirk is a town in Scotland with lots of things to do, plus it’s right on the water. There are many shops and restaurants and different pubs. The people are amicable and always helpful if you need directions or help finding anything.

This gorgeous Scottish town is also perfect for walking or hiking because there are beautiful parks with walking trails that go through them. It’s a great way to spend some time if you’re looking for a getaway from Edinburgh!

Some of the best attractions in Falkirk include the Falkirk Wheel, Callendar House, and the Kelpies. If you’re traveling with children, check out Wonder World Soft Play and Sky High Trampolining!

To spend a longer time in Falkirk, book a night at the Orchard Hotel . It’s only a short walk from the Falkirk Grahamston Station and is kid-friendly! Plus, there is complimentary breakfast and wifi.

🚂 Book your ticket to Falkirk here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 20 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail from Edinburgh Waverley towards Glasgow Queen Street and get off at Linlithgow.

Linlithgow is one of the top day trips by train from Edinburgh! It might be a small town with a population of about 8,000, but it has many things to do for locals and tourists alike.

The most popular place to visit is the Linlithgow Palace , where Mary Queen of Scots lived before becoming Queen of England.

The palace is now a museum and visitor center that takes guests to explore the storied past of this country’s history! Any history fan will love it.

In addition to checking out the palace, other great things to do in Linlithgow include learning at the Linlithgow Museum, seeing the deer at Beecraigs Country Park, and biking along the Union Canal.

By far, the best place to stay in Linlithgow is the West Port Hotel ! With prices generally under $100 per night, this modern hotel has free breakfast and ample room sizes. Plus, there’s even a gastropub. What’s not to like?

🚂 Book your ticket to Linlithgrow here! 🚂

Newcastle Upon Tyne

🚆 Distance: 1.5 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Hop on the train at Edinburgh Waverley and take the LNER towards London Kings Cross, but get off at Newcastle.

Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the largest city in North East England, located on the River Tyne. It’s one of the best day trips from Edinburgh by train! Newcastle hosts a myriad of things to do, from museums and concerts to shopping districts and sporting events.

The best way to see Newcastle is by foot, as it has many beautiful landmarks that are impossible to miss. One of these attractions is the Tyne Bridge, which was built in 1928 after World War I had ended.

This is one of the top landmarks in the city, and it’s impossible to miss because it stretches across the river.

While you should see the Tyne Bridge, there are also other great attractions, like the Living Museum of the North, the Angel of the North, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

Be sure to book a night’s stay at the Royal Station Hotel if you plan on spending more than a day in Newcastle! This hotel is inside a Victorian building but features modern hotel rooms. Plus, there’s an indoor pool, great dining at a restaurant, and even a spa.

🚂 Book your ticket to Newcastle here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 25 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the Transpennine Express towards Newcastle from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Dunbar.

For one of the great train trips from Edinburgh, Scotland, head to Dunbar.

Dunbar is a small coastal village in the East Lothian region of Scotland. The town has many things to do for visitors and locals alike, such as hiking, exploring, and birdwatching.

There are also plenty of eating options available, making it the perfect place to visit for foodies.

When visiting Dunbar, consider stopping at some of the town’s best attractions, like John Muir’s Birthplace, The Fishermen’s Monument, and the Ruins of Tantallon Castle. For some great views, consider also stopping by John Muir Country Park.

To elongate your stay in Dunbar instead of heading back to Edinburgh, book a night’s stay at the Royal Mackintosh Hotel . This 3-star hotel has lavish rooms and even has a great restaurant that features wood pieces from an old historic ship.

🚂 Book your ticket to Dunbar here! 🚂

Loch Lomond

🚆 Distance: 3 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Getting to Loch Lomond by train is no easy feat, but it is possible. Start by taking the ScotRail towards Dunblane from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Larbert. Then, take the Scotrail towards Glasgow Queen Street and get off at Glasgow Queen Street. After, hop back on the ScotRail, but take the one towards Balloch and get off at Balloch. Finally, take the 305 bus towards Luss from Craiglomond Gardens and get off at the Visitor Center Car Park!

Loch Lomond is one of the nicest day trips from Edinburgh to the highlands!

Scotland’s Loch Lomond is a lake located in the Central Highlands of Scotland and is one of the largest freshwater lochs in Great Britain.

It is nestled between the towns of Balloch and Drymen and will genuinely take your breath away, especially if you’re looking for incredible natural landscapes in Scotland.

In addition to exploring Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, there are many other great things to do in the area. For instance, you can visit the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium, take a ride on the Maid of the Loch, and more.

To fully enjoy the beauty of Loch Lomond, consider staying in the area right at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel . This 4-star hotel is moderately priced and is inside an old eighteenth-century building.

It features tons of terrific amenities, including a bar, prime location, and even air conditioning.

🚂 Book your ticket to Balloch here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Helensburgh Central from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Livingston North.

One of the best train routes from Edinburgh is to Livingston. With stunning mountain views and historical places such as The Livingston Manor House and Middle Hill, you’ll find plenty to see in the area.

The Scottish city of Livingston is a great place to visit, with tons of fun things to do, like exploring the Livingston Skate Park, the Almond Valley Heritage Trust, and even the Five Sisters Zoo.

If you’re in the mood to explore some of Scotland’s stunning natural beauty, take a walk along part of the Water of Leith or partake in a guided kayaking trip along the River Almond.

As one of the best day trips by train from Edinburgh, there’s much to do here!

To make your trip to Livingston longer, consider booking a stay at the 3-star Mercure Livingston Hotel , right near some of the best places to visit in the area. Plus, there’s free wifi, an indoor pool, and air conditioning available to all guests.

🚂 Book your ticket to Livingston here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 2 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: To get to Arbroath from Edinburgh, take the ScotRail towards Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Arbroath.

Arbroath is located close to Aberdeen at the mouth of the North Sea and offers a variety of things for travelers to do during their stay. It’s one of the best Edinburgh day trips by train and has a pretty scenic ride along the way!

This town offers many scenic spots, like the Arbroath Cliffs, which will truly take your breath away. The town has many attractions for visitors, like Arbroath Abbey, which was founded in 1160. Nearby is Alford Garden, with its ancient tree yews and labyrinths.

Other great attractions in the area include the Signal Tower Museum, the Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Path, and the West Links Park.

A great, affordable place to stay in town is the Townhouse Hotel . It’s less than $100 per night and has free wifi, air conditioning, and even a restaurant. Plus, it’s a quick walk to get to the North Sea, so it’s incredibly central.

🚂 Book your ticket to Arbroath here! 🚂

Cairngorms National Park

🚆 Distance: 4-5 hours

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail toward Aberdeen from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Aberdeen. Then, take a bus to get to the part of the park that you’d most like to visit.

One of the best day trips from Edinburgh to the highlands is Cairngorms National Park. It’s a bit more challenging to get there, but it’s well worth it.

If you can swing it, it’s even better if, once you make it out there, you can rent a car so you can visit places like Craigievar Castle and Balmoral Castle in the area.

The Cairngorms National Park consists of the mountains of the Cairngorm Range. The Crown Estate owns much of this area and manages it for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and agriculture.

The park is perfect for hikers, nature lovers, and nature photographers who want to capture these moments in time before they change. Many people even say that it’s one of the best places for hiking in the whole of the United Kingdom!

To spend more time near the park, book a stay at the Cairngorm Hotel in Aviemore. This 3-star hotel is super nice inside and has great traditional Scottish decor. Plus, it’s top-rated, has an excellent restaurant, and is near public transportation.

🚂 Book your ticket to Aberdeen here! 🚂

🗺️ How to Get There: Ride the ScotRail towards Inverness from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Pitlochry.

One of the best places to visit by train near Edinburgh is the small town of Pitlochry. The town sits at the base of Mount Blair near Scotland’s largest lake, Loch Rannoch.

Pitlochry is often referred to as the “gateway to the Highlands.” The town has a population of just over 3,500.

Pitlochry is also home to the stately home of Blair Castle, where it is possible to take guided tours of the estate, which was once the residence of Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. With so many things to do, you will never be bored!

Other fun places to visit include the Blair Athol Distillery, Loch Faskally, and the Pitlochry Dam Visitor Center.

The Atholl Villa Guest House is the perfect place to stay if you want to extend your trip to Pitlochry. This 4-star hotel is a fantastic bed and breakfast with home-cooked breakfast in the morning and free wifi. Plus, prices are relatively affordable per night.

🚂 Book your ticket to Pitlochry here! 🚂

North Berwick

🗺️ How to Get There: To get to North Berwick from Edinburgh, take the ScotRail towards North Berwick from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at North Berwick.

North Berwick is a town in Scotland that can be found on the country’s northeast coast. It’s a popular destination for tourists because it offers many different attractions within a small area.

Visitors will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy renowned golf courses, play a round of tennis, or take a stroll through the beaches and coastal forests that border this seaside town.

There are also a variety of surf spots along the coastline where visitors can go to get some great waves during all seasons.

If you’re looking for a sleepy town in the United Kingdom with plenty of history, North Berwick is the perfect destination. There are also family-friendly activities like bowling, indoor rock climbing, or visiting beautiful gardens.

Don’t forget to stop by the nearby castles too, Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle & Gardens!

For a great place to stay, consider booking a night at the No 12 Hotel & Bistro . This 3-star hotel is slightly more expensive than other recommendations on this list, but overall, North Berwick accommodations are a bit pricier.

The hotel is close to Dirleton Castle & Gardens, Tantallon Castle, and the Scottish Seabird Center.

🚂 Book your ticket to North Berwick here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 50 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: Take the ScotRail towards Glasgow Queen Streed from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at Glasgow Queen Street! This is a quick, easy ride through Scotland.

If you’re looking for one of the more popular train trips from Edinburgh, Scotland, head to Glasgow! It’s the largest city in Scotland and is considered to be one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world.

The city is famous for its rich history, amazing shops and attractions, art and culture, as well as its popular music scene. Glasgow’s buzzing population of 1.3 million people means you’ll never run out of things to do!

Textile mills, shipbuilding, railroads, and coal miners mark Glasgow’s history. Glasgow is also home to many amazing museums like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, and The People’s Palace.

Extend your stay in this lovely city by booking a night or two at the Radisson Blue Hotel ! This is the most popular place to stay in Glasgow by far.

It’s centrally located and has a restaurant, great breakfast, and even a pool. Plus, the rooms are a great size, considering the hotel is in a city.

🚂 Book your ticket to Glasgow here! 🚂

🚆 Distance: 40 minutes

🗺️ How to Get There: If you want to head to Stirling, take the ScotRail towards Dunblane from Edinburgh Waverley and get off at the Stirling stop.

Last but not least is another of the great train routes from Edinburgh, Stirling! It is a historic and scenic city in Scotland. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure with friends, there are plenty of things to do in this Scottish city.

Some of the best attractions in Stirling include the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, the National Wallace Monument, and the Stirling Old Town Jail.

Of course, the star of the show is the Stirling Castle, which overlooks the town and is impossible to miss.

For an incredible experience, book a night at the Golden Lion Hotel while visiting Stirling.

The hotel has been welcoming guests for over 200 years and has tons of great amenities. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops right next to the hotel to enjoy during your stay.

🚂 Book your ticket to Stirling here! 🚂

Final Thoughts: Edinburgh Train Day Trips

This post was all about the best day trips from Edinburgh by train. What location would you love to take a day trip to?

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KP is the head blogger and founder behind Volumes & Voyages. After studying abroad in Dublin for a semester, KP got bitten by the travel bug. Now, she writes articles to help other travelers in between trips where she chases her wanderlust. KP has lived in many different places, including Boston MA, Denver CO, Las Vegas NV, southern VT, and Dublin IE.

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